China, US open food, drug inspection offices

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-19-2008 09:05

The US Food and Drug Administration is set to open three offices in China this week to help ensure the safety of Chinese exports. And China is preparing to establish similar offices in the US.

The US Food and Drug Administration is set to open three  offices in China this week to help ensure the safety of  Chinese exports. And China is preparing to establish  similar offices in the US.

The US Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Mike Leavitt, says the first FDA office in Beijing will open on Wednesday, followed by one in Guangzhou and another in Shanghai.

China's Health Minister, Chen Zhu, says the country is also preparing to establish food and drug inspection offices in the US but there has not been any confirmation regarding the date, location or specific number.

Chen said these initiatives would actually help inspection agencies and businesses of both countries to have more interaction. And he also said it would provide both countries with an opportunity to learn from each other.

Chen Zhu said, "According to the negotiations, China and the US will station food and drug inspection offices each other on the basis of mutual equality. China is in the preparation process. And the three offices in China are up and running."

Leavitt said the US needs to globalize the mission of the Food and Drug Administration as its task is no longer just domestic but international.

Leavitt also said the new FDA offices will help increase inspections and help the host country improve its own food and drug safety.

Editor:Zhang Ning