On November 15, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will hold a virtual public meeting from 10 AM to 2 PM Eastern Time. The Committee will discuss undertaking a work charge from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Cronobacter in powdered infant formula. The Committee will also discuss updates under the Cyclospora cayetanensis subcommittee and vote on adopting a report, titled, “Enhancing Salmonella Control in Poultry Products.”

The charge being advanced by FDA to NACMCF is intended to help the Committee gain scientific insight regarding Cronobacter infections, including recommendations for how public health authorities can better protect public health, and for food safety management practices that the food industry can implement to enhance the safety of powdered infant formula.

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will post the meeting document on the FSIS website prior to the public meeting, and will invite interested stakeholders to submit written comments on the document on or before December 30, 2022.

The meeting will be held virtually using Zoom. Attendees must pre-register to receive a link, dial-in number, access code, and unique attendee ID for the event. Attendees who express interest in delivering comments during the meeting must register by November 8, 2022.

Update, November 14, 2022: The article was edited to reflect the fact that the deadline to submit written comments on “Enhancing Salmonella Control in Poultry Products" has been extended until December 30, 2022.