New Agreement Targets Food Ingredient Quality in U.S., China

From FCC e-Newsletter (Summer 2010)

First Food-Focused Memorandum of Understanding between USP and Chinese Agency (June 23)

Recognizing the importance of ensuring that food ingredients of ensured quality are made available to the public, the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety–Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (NINFS) and the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) detailing potential areas of collaboration. USP is a non–governmental scientific organization based in the United States that sets standards for the quality of medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. Standards published in USP's Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) cover food ingredients including colorings, flavorings, nutrients, preservatives, and processing aids.

"Consumers are increasingly consuming foods composed of a host of ingredients such as colorings and preservatives—and these ingredients are produced all over the world," said Roger L. Williams, M.D., USP chief executive officer. "Given this reality, ensuring the quality of these ingredients requires global cooperation. We look forward to working together with NINFS on scientific and standards–setting activities that will result in a better food supply for citizens of both countries—and the world."

The agreement was signed in Beijing by Mr. Yan Weixing, director general of NINFS, and Dr. Williams.