FDA looking to establish offices in India

WASHINGTON Following its announcement earlier this year that it would set up offices in China, the Food and Drug Administration also wants to establish offices in India.

FDA deputy commissioner Murray Lumpkin told Reuters that the FDA hoped to have staff in New Delhi and Mumbai by the end of the year. India is currently the world's largest exporter of generic medications.

The purpose of the offices is to inspect food and medical products before they reach the United States, following the importation of contaminated food, pet food and drugs from China.

Lumpkin told Reuters that the FDA also wants to have offices in the Middle East, Europe and Latin America.