Imports From China: Takeaways From the 2011 FDLI Conference in Beijing, China
Tags: "Benjamin England", 2011, beijing, china, conference, enforcement, exporttousa.com.cn, fdli, food, FSMA, John Wu, modernization, safety
The Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI) recently launched its first Chinese conference, US- China Food And Drug Law: Ensuring Quality, Improving Safety, Expanding Access. FDAImports.com, was represented at the conference by its CEO, Benjamin England, Mr. Rick Quinn, Senior Associate Attorney, Mr. John Wu, FDAImports.com, LLC’s Country (China) Director, and Ms. Shelly (Xiaoxia) Li, ExportToUSA.com.cn, Qingdao, China Office Manager. Mr. England also presented during a panel discussion explaining to Chinese companies how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration enforces federal laws relating to imported products and how the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) will enhance FDA enforcement with respect to imported food. Members of the FDAImports.com and ExportToUsa.com.cn teams were present at the conference, providing support and resources for Chinese manufacturers and exporters, answering FDA-related questions and networking with businesses and manufacturers exporting to the United States.
CEO, Benjamin England (right) and John Wu, FDAImports.com Country Director for China
“This was the first, and surely not the last, U.S.-Chinese law and regulation FDLI conference in China and we were very happy to co-sponsor the conference as a Platinum Sponsor,” said Benjamin England.
“FDA sent several speakers, including their China Country Director and Assistant Director. The message from FDA was measured and emphasized the FDA’s increasing focus on reducing the risks that foreign-made foods, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices pose to the U.S. consumer. However, FDA was short on details when confronted about how the agency could possibly increase foreign inspection numbers or how it could implement the new food safety laws,” Mr. England said.
“I spent much of my time showing how the new FSMA presumes incorrectly that international trade in food products is bilateral. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a result, FDA will have a very difficult time implementing the new HARPC requirements or the Foreign Supplier Verification Program. I think a dose of reality was a real encouragement to the Chinese manufacturers and exporters,” stated Mr. England.
See More Pictures from the 2011 FDLI Conference Here//
