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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Budget Batters FDA Oversight of Foreign Drugs

Commissioner to testify before Congress today

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