WASHINGTON — The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is accepting nominations for membership to the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) on Dec. 20. The advisory committee’s role is to provide impartial scientific advice to the USDA and other government agencies on microbiological and public health issues concerning the safety of the US food supply.

In 2025, USDA plans to appoint 30 committee members whose work will include reviewing FSIS’ regulatory approach to Listeria monocytogenes. The election of these new members will be part of the agency’s recent emphasis and added initiatives to review policies pertaining to Listeria.

In addition to focusing on Listeria, FSIS anticipates that the 2025-2027 term committee will also explore food safety strategies for aged raw milk cheeses.

“For the past 36 years, experts serving on the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods have played a critical role in fortifying our food safety standards and ensuring they rely on the latest science,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Our approach to food safety must continually evolve, and those selected to serve on this committee will help us strengthen our regulatory frameworks and programs to best safeguard the health and well-being of American families.”

USDA is looking for individuals to join the NACMCF who possess knowledge and expertise in microbiology, risk assessment, epidemiology, public health, food science and other relevant disciplines. Nominees affiliated with consumer groups are not required to have a scientific background, the agency noted.

FSIS encouraged those in academia, the industry, state and local government officials, public health organizations, and consumer organizations to submit nominations. Self-nominations are also welcomed.

Submissions of nominations must include a cover letter addressed to the secretary of agriculture, a resume or curriculum vitae, and a completed USDA Advisory Committee Membership Background Information form.

Nomination packages may be sent by email to NACMCF@usda.gov or by mail to The Honorable Thomas Vilsack, Secretary, US Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1128 South Building, Attn: Kristal Southern, Designated Federal Officer, FSIS\OPHS\National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods, Washington, DC 20250.

FSIS said all nominations must be received within 60 days of the announcement published in the Federal Register.