Central to committee thinking these are important to the consumers (5)
I believe the answer is:
teeth
'the consumers' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.
'central to committee thinking these are important' is the wordplay.
'TEETH' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for teeth that I've seen before include "Those of wisdom" , "Food may get stuck in them" , "Real effectiveness" , "They're to be found on a gear-wheel" , "Gnashers" .)