FDA's Hamburg speaks

WASHINGTON -- A pledge Thursday by the Food and Drug Administration's new chief to crack down on companies that break the law reflects her effort to restore the agency's image after high-profile safety problems during the Bush administration.

FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg told an audience of food and drug company lawyers they should expect to see faster, tougher action against companies that don't follow FDA regulations.

"The agency must show industry and consumers that we are on the job," Hamburg said. "Companies must have a realistic expectation that if they are crossing the line, they will be caught."

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