FDA Opens Post in Mexico City

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it opened a post in Mexico City on Dec. 15, as part of an effort to improve food and medical product safety. This is the FDA’s third post in Latin America and its tenth international post in the last 13 months.

FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg pointed out that a third of the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed in the U.S. come from Mexico, as do many medical devices. Staff assigned to the new post will work on regulations and guidance standards, as well as new safety initiatives. Collaborations with the Mexican government may include joint workshops on the safety of food and medical products.

The FDA will also collaborate with their Mexican counterparts on the latest laboratory techniques. “FDA experts in Mexico City will work closely with local industries that ship food and medical products to the United States to improve their knowledge of U.S. safety and product quality expectations,” said Murray M. Lumpkin, FDA Deputy Commissioner for International Programs.

AUTHOR: Annette Hulbert