National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) is an advisory body providing scientific guidance on food safety, focusing on microbiological criteria, risk assessments, and public health issues related to the food supply. Its recommendations help shape policies and practices to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of food across the United States.
Mission
The NACMCF's mission is to offer scientific advice to agencies like USDA and HHS, aiding in the development of microbiological standards, evaluating epidemiological data, and improving methodologies for risk assessment concerning food safety. The committee's work is crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring that food safety policies are based on sound science.[1]
Parent organization
NACMCF operates under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically managed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). It collaborates with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as well, reflecting its interagency nature.[2]
Legislation
While not created by specific legislation, NACMCF was established in 1988 by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services in response to recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences and Congressional Appropriations Committee.[3]
Partners
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)[4]
Number of employees
NACMCF consists of 30 members appointed for their expertise in various fields related to food safety.[5]
Organization structure
The committee is structured to include experts from academia, industry, and government, providing a broad spectrum of knowledge.
Leader
It is led by a Chair, with a Vice-Chair from HHS, ensuring balanced leadership from both parent agencies.
Divisions
The work of NACMCF is not formally divided, but it often organizes into subcommittees to tackle specific charges:
- Subcommittees might focus on topics like Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella control, or Cronobacter spp. in infant formula.
List of programs
- Development of microbiological criteria
- Risk assessment methodologies
- Recommendations on food safety strategies
Last total enacted budget
Specific budget details for NACMCF are not publicly detailed; funding is typically managed through the USDA's FSIS budget.
Staff
The committee itself does not have staff but is supported by FSIS personnel.
Funding
Funding for NACMCF's activities comes from the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service allocations.
Services provided
NACMCF provides scientific advice, including reports on microbiological safety, risk assessment, and criteria for food safety, which are used to influence policy, regulations, and practices in food safety.
Regulations overseen
While NACMCF does not oversee regulations directly, its recommendations significantly influence food safety regulations and guidelines across various federal agencies.
Headquarters address
1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250, United States
History
Since its establishment in 1988, NACMCF has played a pivotal role in advancing food safety science, particularly through its work on hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), which has become a cornerstone of modern food safety management.[6]
External links
References
- ↑ USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. "National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF)". USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/advisory-committees/national-advisory-committee-microbiological-criteria-foods-nacmcf (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. "About FSIS". USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/about-fsis (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. "National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF)". USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/advisory-committees/national-advisory-committee-microbiological-criteria-foods-nacmcf (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. "National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF)". USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/advisory-committees/national-advisory-committee-microbiological-criteria-foods-nacmcf (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. "National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods; Membership Nominations". USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/advisory-committees/national-advisory-committee-microbiological-criteria-foods-nacmcf/membership-nominations (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. "National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF)". USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/advisory-committees/national-advisory-committee-microbiological-criteria-foods-nacmcf (accessed February 8, 2025).