While the number of FDA overseas inspections has fluctuated, FDA has opened up several overseas offices to tackle imported food safety issues at the point of origin. FDA is also testing a computer-based system to target high-risk imports for additional inspection when they arrive at US points of entry.
In 2008, FDA inspected 153 foreign food facilities out of an estimated 189,000 registered facilities. In 2007, the agency inspected just 95 facilities. FDA estimated it would conduct 200 inspections in 2009 and 600 in 2010. In addition, it opened offices in China, Costa Rica and India, and expects to open offices in Mexico and Chile and post staff at European Union agencies.