The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Safety and Inspective Service (FSIS) is currently accepting nominations for members of the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) with the USDA appointing committee members next year.
The USDA is seeking nominations of individuals with knowledge of meat and poultry safety and FSIS policies, a Dec. 20 USDA press release said. This includes those that represent small and very small establishments. The department aims to create a geographically and racially diverse committee composed of various industrial and academic backgrounds.
People in academia, industry, government, public health organizations and consumer organizations are encouraged to submit their nominations, the release said. Self-nominations will also be considered.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that NACMPI members play a major role in what is safe and wholesome to eat.
“As USDA continues to advance racial justice and equity into its decision-making and policymaking process, attracting and appointing individuals from diverse perspectives and expertise to serve on NACMPI will be essential to accomplishing our food safety goals,” Vilsack said in the release.
Nominations must come with a cover letter addressed to the Secretary of Agriculture, as well as a resume and completed USDA Advisory Committee Membership Background Information form, the release said. The nominations are due by Feb. 18 and can be sent to NACMPI@usda.gov.
Questions about nominations can be directed to Valerie Green at 301-504-0846 or NACMPI@usda.gov.
The NACMPI was established by FSIS in 1971, the release said. Comprising 20 members, it provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on food safety and other concerns affecting inspection programs.
