GAO claims FDA can do a better job of protecting the public

WASHINGTON The Food and Drug Administration may not be able to do its job as well as it should, the Government Accountability Office has said.

The GAO said Thursday that globalization, complexity of new products and laws harmed the FDA's ability to perform its duties in protecting the public.

"Concerns have been expressed about FDA's ongoing ability to fulfill its mission of ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs, biologics and medical devices," the office's report read.

The GAO said the FDA needs to improve the data it uses to manage foreign drug inspection, inspect manufacturing facilities abroad more often, better track promotional materials and ensure that drug sponsors comply with regulations on the presentation of clinical trial results.