FDA Strengthens International Collaboration to Ensure Quality

The FDA recently released its Global Engagement Report, detailing activities and strategies FDA is using to transform from a domestic to a global public health agency. The report describes the steps the agency is taking to ensure that imported food, drugs, medical devices, and other regulated products meet the same safety and quality standards as required for domestic products.

Global production of FDA-regulated goods and materials has exploded over the last decade and continues to grow. They originate from more than 150 countries, 130,000 importers, and 300,000 foreign facilities. Approximately 80 percent of seafood, 50 percent of fresh fruits, and 20 percent of fresh vegetables consumed in America come from abroad.

The report outlines engagement strategies FDA is using in partnership with other agencies, organizations, and coalitions worldwide to strengthen global, regulatory capacity-building efforts; develop and harmonize science-based regulatory standards; increase awareness about the importance of regulatory systems; and share information and data globally to facilitate rapid identification of and response to public health emergencies. Access the report at www.fda.gov/global.