USDA Eliminates Two Food Safety Advisory Committees
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has eliminated two committees that advise it on food safety, raising concerns about government oversight of the food supply as the Trump administration seeks to downsize the federal bureaucracy and slash costs.The USDA eliminated the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods and the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection, a spokesperson said, potentially reducing public health risks.The committees provided scientific advice to the USDA and other federal agencies on public-health issues related to food safety, but their elimination may lead to gaps in expertise and oversight.
- This move highlights the tension between bureaucratic efficiency and consumer protection, as eliminating advisory committees can undermine the ability of government agencies to make informed decisions about food safety.
- Will the loss of these expert panels be compensated by increased transparency and public participation in food safety regulations, or will it exacerbate the current food safety challenges facing the US?