March 19, 2008
 

US seeks wider presence in overseas markets
 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recently seeking China's approval to install eight full time FDA officials in the country to strengthen its monitoring of exported food.
 
Soon after the USDA approved the scheme, the FDA sought to obtain China's backing for a permanent overseas office in the country to ensure that exported goods are at par with US standards.

An FDA spokesperson said that the plans were part of the department's efforts to strengthen its presence in at least five overseas markets.

The FDA believes that an expanded global network of agents would grant the agency greater access to inspections of manufacturing abroad, as well as improved interaction with processors over standards.

Murray Lumpkin, FDA deputy commissioner for International and Special Programs, said that the agency was increasingly working in a worldwide market place.

Lumpkin explained that globalised economy demands heightened regulatory inter-operability, information exchange and cooperation especially on product quality and enforcement matters.

This move to fill permanent FDA positions in China is a step to ensure access to safe food and drugs, Lumpkin added.

If China approves of the plan, the FDA said it would hire five Chinese nationals to work with both the FDA staff at the US embassy in Beijing and the US consulate General in Shanghai and Guangzhou.