FDA seeks presence in China

While the FDA is pushing to establish a presence in China, SFDA spokeswoman Yan Jiangying said yesterday that neither Chinese authorities nor the FDA had contacted them about the presence of hypersulfated chondroitin sulfate in exported heparin products.

"There are set procedures, and the FDA might first apply to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs," she said.

The FDA planned to establish eight full-time, permanent positions at US diplomatic posts in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, pending authorization from the Chinese government, a March 14 notice on its website said.