FDA Proposes Revamping Its System For Monitoring, Regulating Imported Goods

Reacting to the explosion of imported, FDA-regulated products, materials and ingredients, the agency has proposed reforms designed to better protect the health of American consumers. The problem is getting worse, thanks to rising productivity among Western economies, growing global demand for products, and faster and easier transfer of goods across borders. The four key reforms include partnering with international regulators, developing international data information systems and networks, developing an information gathering system focused on risk analytics, and working with public and private third parties and industry “to allocate FDA resources based on risk.” We can no longer rely on historical tools, activities and approaches,” said Acting Principal Deputy Commissioner of Food and Drugs John M. Taylor.