FDA chief seeks satellite offices abroad.

FDA is considering opening satellite offices in U.S. embassies overseas as part of its effort to improve the safety of food, medicine and other products coming into the United States.

FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach said private companies have increased their presence overseas to ensure their suppliers meet standards for quality and safety. It's time for the federal government to take a similar approach, particularly with food, he told reporters Thursday.

According to the Associated Press, the commissioner was sketchy about the resources to be dedicated to an overseas effort. Some say the recent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses are partially the result of an agency being asked to do more with fewer people. The agency now relies on inspections at U.S. ports to catch unsafe imports. Less than 1 percent of food coming across the U.S. border is inspected.

Von Eschenbach said he could envision five regions where FDA inspectors and technical advisers could be staffed: China, India, Europe, Central and South America, and the Middle East.