Call for nominations for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee 

By: Sydney Sheffield

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are calling for nominations for the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC). ASAS President-Elect Teresa Davis was a 2020-2025 member of the DGAC. 

The DGAC is established under and governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), which provides legal requirements for the formation and use of Federal advisory committees. The Committee will provide independent, science-based advice and recommendations to be considered by HHS and USDA, along with Federal agency input and public comments, as the Departments develop the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030.

Those nominated must be an expert in one of the following scientific topics, health outcomes, or approaches addressed by the committee:

• Scientific topics: dietary patterns, ultra-processed foods, beverages, added sugars, saturated fats, behavioral strategies, and weight management 

• Health outcomes: overweight and obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, neurocognitive health, sarcopenia, bone health, all-cause mortality, and pregnancy and infant health outcomes 

• Approaches: systematic reviews, data analysis, and food pattern modeling 

The Departments will seek to appoint a DGAC that is balanced in terms of point of view and expertise, experience, education, and institutional affiliation, with a goal of establishing a diverse membership that is reflective of the racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic diversity within the United States. The Committee will collaborate to review the latest scientific evidence and develop science-based recommendations. Important attributes of a nominee are good communication, time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, and flexibility. USDA and HHS will also consider leadership experience and participation on previous committees or panels.

To be qualified, nominees must have at least 10 years of experience as an academic, researcher, practitioner, or other health professional in a field related to one or more of the scientific topic areas, an advanced degree in nutrition or health-related field, expertise related to one or more of the scientific topic areas to be examined by the Advisory Committee as demonstrated by number and quality of peer-reviewed publications and presentations, and reflect the racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic diversity within the United States.  ASAS President-Elect, Teresa Davis, was a member of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

Use the DGAC checklist provided by USDA and HHS to assess qualifications. For more information on how to nominate yourself or a colleague, visit the Dietary Guidelines for Americans website.