HHS, USDA seek nominations for Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

HHS and the United States Department of Agriculture are accepting nominations for an advisory committee that will review evidence and develop recommendations for the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

“The science reviewed by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee provides an essential foundation for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” Admiral Rachel L. Levine, MD, assistant secretary for health at HHS and head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, said in an HHS press release. “The committee’s review ensures that the Dietary Guidelines is based on sound scientific evidence and serves to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans.”

The departments are seeking a diverse committee “that is balanced in expertise, experience and education, and is reflective of the racial, ethnic, gender and geographic diversity within the United States,” according to the release. The public is invited to submit nominations for themselves or other qualified experts now through July 15.

“Our goal is to appoint a committee that will make science-driven, dietary recommendations with health equity in mind,” Stacy Dean, the deputy under secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services at USDA, said in the release. “We are committed to bringing together interdisciplinary experts with a variety of professional experience who will ensure that the guidance in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is inclusive of the U.S. population.”

HHS said the committee’s review will focus on diet and health outcomes across the lifespan. It will include evidence on the association between diet and the risk for overweight and obesity, with an emphasis on weight loss and weight maintenance.

Candidates should have an advanced degree in a field related to nutrition or health, as well as at least 10 years of experience in academia, research or as a health professional. Additional details on candidate requirements are available on DietaryGuidelines.gov.