WASHINGTON — The US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), in coordination with the US Dept. of Health and Human Services, has issued a call for nominations for the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC). The independent advisory committee will review the scientific evidence to help inform the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The deadline to submit nominations for the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is Oct. 6.

“We are looking forward to a robust group of nominees to serve on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee,” said Brandon Lipps, acting deputy undersecretary for the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services at USDA. “The public’s participation throughout the development of the guidelines is crucial as we work hard to ensure the process is transparent and science-driven.”

According to the USDA, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans will take a “life stage approach,” reflecting an expansion to include pregnant women and children from birth to 24 months as mandated by the 2014 farm bill. Additionally, the scientific review conducted by the advisory committee will focus on patterns of what Americans eat and drink to help prevent disease and keep people healthy. The government is seeking nominations that reflect expertise related to these areas.

“The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee fulfills an important role in the development of each edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” said Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D., assistant secretary for Health at the HHS. “The committee’s independent, expert review of the current evidence on the role of nutrition in disease prevention and health promotion helps to ensure that the guidelines are based on sound science.”