FDA waiting for approval on China offices

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it is waiting for formal approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish three foreign offices in China, AP reported. Michael Leavitt, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said Chinese officials support the concept of FDA presence, but have yet to give permission and begin the process of approving diplomatic visas. The FDA wants to establish foreign offices in Beijing Shanghai and Guangzhou with a total of 13 employees. Concerns over the quality and safety of Chinese exports, specifically in the case of 81 deaths linked to the blood thinner heparin, have put pressure on the FDA to establish a presence in China.