FDA Investigates Drugs from Overseas

WASHINGTON-Facing Congressional criticism that it isn't doing enough to prevent counterfeit-drug imports, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing thousands of drug shipments from foreign countries. The FDA will be examining the drugs to see if counterfeit ingredients have made their way into US drug-making plants. Congressional concerns stem from the potential of substandard ingredients, manufactured in foreign drug plants, being used by the nation's drug makers. The FDA, while often not inspecting these drugs, says it has no evidence of a substantial problem, nor does it believe that the public is at any risk of harm from such substances. Also part of the investigation is increased enforcement and warnings to importers to help regulators keep track of shipments. For more information, visit www.fda.gov.