WASHINGTON, June 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it would have to find a new way of doing business, given the sharp increases in imports.
The imports of highest concern include foods, drugs and drug chemicals, and medical devises, the FDA said.
In a report released Monday, "Pathway to Global Product Safety and Quality," the FDA said two-thirds of the fruits and vegetables consumed in the United States and 80 percent of the seafood eaten domestically are imported.
Half of the medical devices sold in the country and "80 percent of the active pharmaceutical ingredients in medications sold here are manufactured elsewhere," the report said.
"There has been a perfect storm -- more products, more manufacturers, more countries and more access. A dramatic change in strategy must be implemented," FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said.
"FDA regulated imports have quadrupled since 2000," she said.
The FDA outlined four steps to increase its reach and efficiency. The steps included forming partnerships with regulators around the world and developing "international data information systems."
The agency also said it would "focus on risk analytics and information technology" and "leverage the efforts of public and private third parties and industry."
