WASHINGTON – India is the second largest drug exporter and the seventh largest food exporter to the U.S. with nearly one quarter of the spices, oils and food colourings used in America coming from India.
As such, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) works hard to make sure that these India-produced foods and drugs are safe, effective and of good quality, the U.S. watchdog agency said in a consumer update.
With offices in New Delhi and Mumbai staffed by technical experts and experienced investigators in food and medical products, FDA keeps close contact with the Indian government, industries, trade associations, and scientific and academic communities.
Consequently, Indian officials are better informed about FDA’s import requirements and the agency is able to share best practices involving the production of FDA-regulated products, it said.
Such contacts have been especially helpful when unexpected issues arise.
“We know who the decision makers are and who to contact to mobilize a response when problems arise that could affect people at home,” Bruce Ross, FDA’s country director based in New Delhi, was quoted as saying.
