The U.S. Department of Agriculture has quietly disbanded two advisory committees focused on food safety, a move that experts and advocates say weakens protections against foodborne illnesses.
Emily Heil reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The USDA eliminated the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods and the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection, citing President Trump’s executive order to shrink government agencies.
- The panels advised multiple federal agencies and worked on issues like genomic analysis of pathogens and contamination risks in infant formula.
- Experts warn the decision removes key scientific input from food safety policymaking, with little cost savings but potentially higher public health risks.
Key quote:
"You’re talking about meaningless cost savings in the context of such a large and significant federal agency, and you are stripping it of the scientific foundation on the basis of which it makes policy decisions about the safety of the meat and poultry supply in the United States."
— Timothy Lytton, regents' professor at Georgia State University College of Law
Why this matters:
Foodborne illnesses sicken millions of Americans each year, with outbreaks linked to contaminated meat, poultry, and infant formula causing severe health risks. At the heart of food safety efforts are scientific advisory panels — groups of independent experts who analyze emerging threats and guide regulatory agencies in setting standards. These panels ensure that food inspections and safety measures are grounded in the latest research, helping to prevent contaminated products from reaching grocery store shelves and dinner tables. Their work is especially crucial as new pathogens emerge and supply chains grow increasingly complex. Without these expert panels, oversight could shift from proactive prevention to a more reactive approach — responding to outbreaks after they occur rather than stopping them beforehand.
Related: Trump administration appoints attorney with limited food safety background to key FDA role
