Leavitt suggests FDA presence in Central America

NEW YORK Health and Human Services secretary Michael Leavitt has expressed interest in opening Food and Drug Administration offices in Central America similar to the ones opening in China.

Though the statement was Leavitt’s opinion and not an official announcement, he said that large imports of fruits and vegetables from Central America made such office necessary. A shipment of cantaloupes from Honduras, for example, recently caused salmonella outbreaks in 16 states.

Leavitt announced the opening of FDA offices throughout China while speaking in Beijing on May 17. The offices will help ensure the safety of products bound for the U.S. before they are exported.