Rubio Demands Answers From Biden-Harris Admin About Distribution Of Pharma Products Tied To Slave Labor

Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio has called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately ban pharmaceutical products from two Chinese manufacturers linked to slave labor in East Turkistan (Xinjiang).
In a Wednesday oversight letter, Rubio cited an October 8 report from the Centers for Advanced Defense Studies revealing that two pharmaceutical producers from East Turkistan (Xinjiang) —a region notorious for human rights abuses against religious minorities—are currently permitted to distribute products in the United States.
The two companies, Xinjiang Nuziline Bio-Pharmaceutical Co. and SEL Biochem Xinjiang Co., remain on the FDA's Registered Drug Establishments Site, allowing them to import drugs into the country despite allegations of forced labor.
Rubio argued that the companies' distribution violates the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act of 2021. "Banning companies engaging in forced human labor is a foundational tenet of promoting freedom and democracy," he wrote.
The senator expressed serious concerns about the lack of oversight by FDA and DHS, stating that the agencies have not sufficiently investigated pharmaceutical producers or ensured compliance with U.S. law.
A DHS spokesperson indicated they would respond to the congressional correspondence through official channels. The FDA had not commented at the time of reporting.
This development highlights ongoing tensions surrounding human rights, global trade, and ethical sourcing of pharmaceutical products.