NEW DELHI: The US is holding discussions with the government to open an office of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in India as it makes efforts to improve safety of products imported by the US.
Visiting US Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt said he had discussed the issue of having a FDA representation in India during his meetings with union ministers here.
Leavitt, who is on a mission to find ways to enhance the quality and safety of Indian food, drugs and medical products exported to the US, has held meetings with Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, Commerce Minister Kamal Nath and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.
"The existing food safety system may not be adequate for the future. There is a need for a new strategy considering the large amount of imports," he told reporters here.
The US wants products meant for the American market to meet its standards of quality and safety. "Till now the products were checked at the border for safety norms and sent back it they failed to meet them," Leavitt said.
However, he said the efforts for a new strategy does not mean that the US lacked confidence in Indian goods.
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