U.S. to recommend steps on dangerous imports

By Missy Ryan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Bush administration will recommend steps in November to ensure the safety of imports, the head of a new safety panel said on Friday, as it seeks to restore public confidence shaken by a rash of dangerous goods from China.

Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt, who heads the panel created by President George W. Bush last month, told reporters his commission would follow a broad-brush report due on Bush's desk on September 17 with a more detailed set of recommendations in mid-November.

But he declined to share details of what the panel could recommend -- such as more staffing for stretched inspection teams or reshaping safety duties now shared across several agencies.

"We are asking the question: what is necessary to get this job done?" Leavitt said. "Nothing has been foreclosed."

The move to bolster U.S. import safety comes after a series of product scandals that have raised consumers fears about adulterated toothpaste, seafood and other goods.

This week, U.S. toy maker Mattel Inc. recalled millions of Chinese-made toys containing lead paint.

Leavitt, who has been touring the United States in recent weeks to check import and food sites, will make at least two visits to China before the end of this year.

While most of the problematic products have come from China, the administration insists it is not singling out one nation.

But a majority of Americans say they are concerned about buying Chinese goods. Only 30 percent of those surveyed in one recent poll professed confidence in food imported from China.

SURGE IN IMPORTS

With the volume of goods pouring across U.S. borders growing -- worth nearly $2 trillion in fiscal 2006 -- the Bush administration says it is impossible to check every single plastic doll, apple, or bottle of aspirin.

Instead, officials are looking for more stringent oversight before goods leave other country's shores.

"We will not be able to inspect our way to food and import safety ... it has to be built in at every part of the product chain," Leavitt said.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, speaking alongside Leavitt, said he sees a major role for private companies, such as shippers, in checking goods.

He promised aggressive prosecution of those in the United States and beyond who break the rules.