ASK

Scrutinizing the FDA

Nineteen deaths have been linked to contaminated heparin, a crucial blood thinner manufactured in China. Again the drug agency became aware of the problem only after hundreds were sickened. Again Congress is investigating.

The F.D.A. admitted that it violated its own policies by failing to inspect the China plant, and on Friday it said it had alerted border agents to detain suspect heparin shipments.

Do you think the FDA needs to tighten its standards for overseas drug production or do you think that's the work of another national or international governmental body?