Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is urging the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, to reconsider the decision to disband two important food safety advisory committees. Recently, the USDA announced plans to eliminate the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) and the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI). These committees provide essential advice on food safety, particularly regarding microbiological issues and inspection processes.
NACMCF was recently focused on assessing food safety guidelines for Listeria monocytogenes, especially after a serious listeriosis outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats in 2024. Additionally, the committee was examining Cronobacter in powdered infant formula, a concern that arose during the 2022 infant formula crisis involving Abbott Nutrition, which tragically claimed the lives of two infants.
Various food industry leaders and advocacy groups, such as Consumer Reports and Stop Foodborne Illness, have condemned the USDA’s decision. They argue that dismantling these committees could weaken public health protections just when they are most needed.
Senator Blumenthal’s letter emphasizes the ongoing threats from foodborne illnesses. Recent events highlight that, without these expert committees, the USDA may struggle to effectively respond to food safety crises. He warns that dismantling these committees under the guise of reducing bureaucracy puts public health at risk.
In his letter, Blumenthal posed three key questions, seeking clarity from Rollins by March 25, 2025:
- If the termination of NACMCF and NACMPI was due to budget cuts, how were these committees—with relatively small budgets of $225,000 and $75,000—deemed unnecessary?
- How will the USDA access impartial, scientific input from diverse stakeholders—industry, consumers, and public health experts—without these committees?
- In light of recent safety crises, who will the USDA consult for expert guidance on Listeria and Cronobacter in the absence of NACMCF?
The discussion around food safety is more relevant than ever. According to the CDC, foodborne illnesses affect approximately 48 million people in the U.S. each year. This staggering statistic reinforces the need for robust safety measures and expert oversight in our food supply.
For detailed insights, you can read the full letter from Senator Blumenthal here.
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