How else is FDA improving its inspection capabilities?
A. We’re providing our investigators with state-of-the-art inspection tools that can be used in the field to screen products and provide immediate scientific feedback so we can do inspections better. One tool that we’ll soon be using is a device that can detect counterfeit drug products. It was developed by FDA’s Forensic Chemistry Center and will be put to work by FDA investigators responsible for screening international mail. Another new hand-held device that we’re using can detect numerous elements in products, both food and drugs, many of which can be toxic. We’re continuing to explore existing technologies to adapt them for use in the field—not only for investigators, but also for use in our mobile laboratories. We collect samples of products in hundreds of locations, so it’s not possible to have a laboratory established in close proximity to every collection site. We do have two mobile labs that can be sent to the borders when needed. Most recently, our microbiology mobile lab ha
