Is Your Dinner at Risk? Discover How the Trump Administration’s Elimination of Key Food Safety Committees Affects Your Meals

The Trump administration has made a significant change by shutting down key food safety committees. Notably, this includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) and the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI). These cuts were part of an Executive Order aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy.

Brian Ronholm, the food policy director at Consumer Reports, expressed concern over these changes. He highlighted that these committees played an essential role in providing unbiased scientific advice to agencies like the USDA, FDA, and CDC. Losing this expertise could jeopardize food safety standards and consumer health in the U.S.

Prior to their termination, NACMCF was working on addressing the rise in foodborne illnesses. The committee had been looking into issues like Listeria outbreaks, which have been linked to deli meats. This focus was particularly important after a fatal listeriosis outbreak in 2024.

The NACMPI was also active before its elimination. It focused on improving inspection procedures and communication with underserved communities regarding food safety. Both committees facilitated discussions that helped shape food safety regulations in the U.S.

Members of these committees included scientists and experts from various fields, universities, consumer advocacy groups, and government agencies. Their collective knowledge was instrumental in guiding policies that affect food safety and public health.

The White House has not commented on these terminations. An email from Dr. Kristal Southern, a scientific liaison with the USDA, informed committee members of the abrupt end to their work. She expressed gratitude for their contributions and noted that the committees would no longer be able to produce reports or recommendations.

Dr. Southern also mentioned this situation was unprecedented, emphasizing that the work and insights gained over the last year and a half would be lost. She acknowledged the valuable contributions made by these committees and expressed a desire to help answer any questions from members during this transition.

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