US to open China offices for product safety

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will open three offices in China this week to ensure the safety of exports headed to the US, AP reported. These will be the first FDA offices outside the US. The first will open in Beijing on Wednesday, followed by one in Guangzhou and another in Shanghai. Mike Leavitt, US health and human services secretary, said the FDA presence in China will enhance the speed and effectiveness of efforts to protect consumers in the US and China. Safety issues involving the blood thinner heparin, food and other products imported from China have put pressure on the FDA to establish an international presence. Last year, US-based Mattel recalled more than 21 million Chinese-made toys worldwide.