The International Alliance of Dietary/ Food Supplement Associations (IADSA) Board met recently in Beijing, China to celebrate 10 years of close cooperation with the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA).
This cooperation has resulted to activities such as Joint Expert Workshops, the first Global Summit of Government Authorities and extensive information and training activities.
In 2011, 20 senior officials from the federal and regional FDAs in China took part in three weeks of training sessions on supplements and related issues in Switzerland, as discussions on the future of supplement regulation in China were being initiated.
Simon Pettman, executive director of IADSA shares with Food News International his thoughts on this milestone.
FNI: What are the three reasons for these 10 years of successful partnership with CFDA?
Pettman: We have consistently sought to understand the CFDA’s needs in terms of both information and international experience and to deliver value.
In addition, we have always engaged with CFDA as a partner and not as an adversary.
We appreciate that legislative change in China is not easy and a patient and considered approach is essential.
Finally, we have had great partners linking into CFDA on the ground in China for us.
FNI: How has the food industry in China changed in the 10 years of partnership with CFDA?
Pettman: This is difficult to answer.
So much change has been driven by the food safety scandals that have left their mark on both government and business.
The most noticeable thing is a change in attitude.
FNI: How did IADSA add value to government and scientific bodies?
Pettman: Over the years, we have developed global references in technical, scientific and regulatory areas, which we often translate into Chinese and provide them to the Chinese government.
For example, we translated the IADSA Global Good Manufacturing Practice Guide into mandarin for the CFDA’s Institute for Executive Training so that it could be used by them as an training tool for the authorities and government.
In addition, we bring to the country international experts from science and government, to share their knowledge and experience.
FNI: What advice would you give when working with government and scientific bodies in China to organisations wishing to do so?
Pettman: Do not compromise long-term relationships for short-term gain.
A relationship with the government in China is about value and trust.
Deliver these and you will be welcomed as a partner.
