Leavitt confirms FDA China office plans

US Health Secretary Michael Leavitt on Friday confirmed plans by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a local presence in China in a bid to further enhance the safety and quality of food and drugs exported to the United States.

Speaking in Beijing, Leavitt said up to 10 FDA staff will be stationed at three locations in the country, including the US embassy. Cooperation between the FDA and its counterparts in China will be enhanced through the FDA's presence in China, he said.

"Currently, we are waiting for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to approve it," he said.