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Budget Batters FDA Oversight of Foreign Drugs

Commissioner to testify before Congress today

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 1, 2007 4:10 AM CDT

(Newser) – The federal Food and Drug Administration's spotty record inspecting foreign drug manufacturers will be even worse next year as its budget drops just as developing countries are flooding the market with new medications, reports the Washington Post. Foreign drug plants are inspected only once every eight to 12 years because of budget restrictions, as opposed to every two years required for American makers.

FDA investigators also must warn owners of overseas plants that they're coming, but can drop in on American companies unannounced. Many foreign drugs are made in China and India, where oversight is already weak, putting American consumers "at considerable risk," said the chairman of a congressional panel holding hearings on the issue today. The FDA's commissioner is scheduled to testify.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach testifies on Capitol Hill earlier this year. (Associated Press)

OxyContin tablets are seen at Brooks Drugs in Montpelier, Vt., in this July 19, 2001, file photo. Congress worries that the FDA oversight of drugs made in developing countries is insufficient. (AP Photo/Toby... (Associated Press)

Michigan Rep. John Dingell is heading hearings today on FDA inspections of foreign drug manufacturers. (Associated Press)

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach. (Associated Press)

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Budget Batters FDA Oversight of Foreign Drugs

Commissioner to testify before Congress today

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Budget Batters FDA Oversight of Foreign Drugs

Commissioner to testify before Congress today

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • FDA • India • Congressional investigations • imports • oversight • prescription drugs • developing countries • House Energy and Commerce Committee

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Safest Place to Give Birth? Italy

Afghanistan is worst, but deaths during childbirth plummet 40% globally

Developing Nations Were In on 'Danish Text'

China, India helped draft leaked agreement they railed against

West Eases Off Carbon Demands for China, India

Copenhagen deal closer, but 2050 goal less likely

FDA Approved Wrong China Firm

Hundreds ill, 4 dead after using heparin from factory never inspected

FDA Plans to Open Outpost in China

Inspectors could block contaminated food from being exported to US

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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