(NAFB) – The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is soliciting nominations for membership to the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection.

USDA expects to appoint committee members in 2022. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says, “attracting and appointing individuals from diverse perspectives and expertise to serve on (the committee) will be essential to accomplishing our food safety goals.”

USDA seeks nominations from individuals with knowledge and interest in meat and poultry food safety and other FSIS policies. USDA also seeks representation of small and very small establishments and geographic diversity of members. Persons in academia, industry, state and local government officials, public health organizations, and industry and consumer organizations are invited to submit nominations, and self-nominations are welcomed.

Established in 1971 by FSIS, the committee consists of 20 members and provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on food safety concerns. Nominations packages must be received by February 18, 2022.