An Auburn University associate professor and Extension specialist has been appointed to the USDA National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI).
“I am honored to accept this appointment to the USDA National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection,” said Dianna V. Bourassa of the College of Agriculture’s Department of Poultry Science and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. “As a member of the NACMPI, I look forward to the opportunity to work with the Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) on current food safety challenges facing our poultry industry in Alabama and across the U.S.”
Bourassa is one of 15 new members and five returning members appointed to the NACMPI. Members of the committee are chosen based on their expertise in meat and poultry safety, public health and other FSIS policies.
“We are proud to announce the new committee members to NACMPI and grateful for their commitment to support food safety and public health,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These members’ diverse expertise and advice will help USDA as we advance our important food safety mission.”
NACMPI consists of 20 members and provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on food safety concerns and other matters affecting inspection program activities, including food safety policies that will contribute to USDA’s regulatory policy development.
NACMPI has made important contributions to a broad range of critical food safety issues. The committee reports provide current information and advice to FSIS and serve as a foundation for regulations and programs aimed at reducing foodborne disease and enhancing public health.
The NACMPI was established in 1971 to advise the Secretary of Agriculture concerning state and federal programs with respect to meat and poultry inspection, food safety, and other matters that fall within the scope of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act. The committee is made up of state and local government officials and members from academia, public health organizations, and industry and consumer organizations.
The newly appointed NACMPI members serve a two-year term.
