As part of the continuing effort to improve import food safety in the United States, FDA announced the opening of its newest branch in Mexico City. This is FDA's third post in Latin America and tenth abroad overall.

"The opening of this office represents an important step as we redesign our product safety strategy," said FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg. "We, like our partners in the Mexican government, realize that prevention is the key. For example, more than a third of the fresh fruits and vegetables we eat come from Mexico as do a large amount of our medical devices. Having FDA experts located permanently there will be mutually beneficial to both our countries and respective citizens."

The Mexico City post will work with its counterparts in the Mexican government to harmonize regulations and guidance standards and to work on other collaborative initiatives. Agencies in both governments also will make efforts to find opportunities for joint training on food-borne illnesses and the oversight of food traded internationally.

For more on the announcement, please click here.