WASHINGTON – Thirteen new appointees will join 17 returning members to the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF), the US Department of Agriculture announced.

The newly appointed NACMCF members to serve a two-year term are:

  • Teshome Yehualaeshet, DVM, PhD, Tuskegee University
  • Yaohua (Betty) Feng, PhD, Purdue University
  • Bing Wang, PhD, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Randy W. Worobo, PhD, Cornell University
  • Mahipal Kunduru, PhD, Topco Associates LLC
  • Elisabetta Lambertini, PhD, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
  • Joelle Mosso, Eurofins
  • Max Teplitski, PhD, Produce Marketing Association
  • Joseph (Stan) Bailey, PhD, bioMérieux
  • Tanya Roberts, PhD, Center for Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention
  • Janell Kause, USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service
  • Andreas Keller, PhD, HHS, Food and Drug Administration
  • Lt. Col. Audrey McMillan-Cole, DVM, DoD, Defense Logistics Agency

The full list of committee members can be found here.

NACMCF committee members are appointed based on their expertise in microbiology, risk assessment, epidemiology, public health, food science, and other relevant disciplines, USDA said. One individual affiliated with a consumer group is included in the membership of the committee to serve in a representational capacity.

The committee reports provide current information and scientific advice to federal food safety agencies such as FSIS, FDA, CDC, Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service, and Department of Defense Veterinary Services. NACMCF reports also serve as a foundation for regulations and programs aimed at reducing foodborne disease and enhancing public health, according to USDA.

“As we invest in strengthening our food systems by supporting improved production and processing, NACMCF members offer expert advice on scientific and technical food safety issues,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These individuals will play a significant role in helping to ensure the safety of our nation’s food supply.”