[Federal Register: February 22, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 34)] [Notices] [Page 8575-8576] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr22fe99-79] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration Request for Nominations for Members of Public Advisory Committee; Food Advisory Committee AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting nominations for members to serve on the Food Advisory Committee (the Committee) in FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Nominations will be accepted for current vacancies and vacancies that will or may occur on the Committee during the next 12 months. FDA has special interest in ensuring that women, minority groups, and the physically handicapped are adequately represented on advisory committees and, therefore, extends particular encouragement to nominations of appropriately qualified female, minority, or physically handicapped candidates. Final selection from among qualified candidates for each vacancy will be determined by the expertise required to meet specific agency needs and in a manner to ensure appropriate balance of membership. DATES: March 24, 1999.) ADDRESSES: All nominations for membership, except for consumer- nominated members, should be sent to Catherine M. DeRoever (address below). All nominations for the consumer-nominated members should be sent to Annette J. Funn (address below). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Regarding all nominations for membership, except consumer-nominated members: Catherine M. DeRoever, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-22), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20204, 202-205-4251. Regarding all nominations for consumer-nominated members: Annette J. Funn, Office of Consumer Affairs (HFE-88), Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 301-827-5006. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FDA is requesting nominations for members to serve on the advisory committee listed below. Individuals should have expertise in the activity of the Committee. Vacancies will occur June 30, 1999. Food Advisory Committee The Committee provides advice primarily to the Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, and as needed, to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and other appropriate officials, on emerging food safety, food science, and nutrition issues that FDA considers of primary importance. The Committee also provides advice and makes recommendations on ways of communicating to the public the potential risks associated with these issues and recommends approaches to be considered in addressing them. Criteria for Members Persons nominated for membership on the Committee shall be knowledgeable in the fields of physical sciences, biological and life sciences, food science, risk assessment and other relevant scientific disciplines. The agency is particularly interested in considering candidates from a variety of medical specialties because many issues brought before the Committee involve medical or epidemiologic impact on nutrients, additives, contaminants, or other constituents of the diet. The term of office is up to 4 years. The Committee includes technically qualified members who are identified with consumer interests and representatives of industry interests. Nomination Procedures Interested persons may nominate one or more qualified persons for membership on the Committee. Nominations shall state that the nominee is willing to serve as a member of the Committee and appears to have no conflict of interest that would preclude Committee membership. Additionally, the nominee's mailing address, telephone number, and curriculum vitae must accompany the nominations. The agency cannot guarantee further consideration of nominations that do not include this requested information. Potential candidates will be asked by FDA to provide detailed information concerning such matters as financial holdings, employment, consultancies, and research grants and/or contracts to permit evaluation of possible sources of conflict of interest. Criteria for Consumer-Nominated Members Selection of representatives of consumer interests will be conducted through procedures that include use of a consortium of consumer organizations which has the responsibility for screening, interviewing, and recommending candidates for the agency's selection. Candidates from this group, like all other candidates for membership on the Committee, should [[Page 8576]] possess appropriate qualifications to understand and contribute to the Committee's work. Industry Representatives Regarding nominations for members representing industry interests, a letter will be sent to each person or organization that has made a nomination and to other organizations that have expressed an interest in participating in the selection process together with a complete list of all such organizations and the nominees. The letter will state that it is the responsibility of each nominator or organization that has expressed an interest in participating in the selection process to consult with the others to provide a consensus slate of possible members representing industry interests within 60 days. In the event that a slate of nominees has not been provided within 60 days, the agency will select an industry representative for each such vacancy from the entire list of industry nominees to avoid delay or disruption of the work of the Committee. The agency is particularly interested in nominees that possess the essential scientific credentials needed to participate fully and knowledgeably in the Committee's deliberations. In addition to this expertise, the agency believes that it would be an advantage to the Committee's work if the individual(s) had special insight and direct experience into specific industry-wide issues, practices, and concerns that might not otherwise be available to others not similarly situated. This notice is issued under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. app. 2) and 21 CFR part 14, relating to advisory committees. Dated: February 11, 1999. Michael A. Friedman, Deputy Commissioner for Operations. [FR Doc. 99-4214 Filed 2-19-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-01-F