Burgess Criticized FDA GLP-1 Import List

Representative Michael Burgess challenged the FDA over the safety of foreign GLP-1 ingredient imports.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Weight Loss

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a single glass vial, representing regulatory scrutiny of medical import policies. — Representative Michael Burgess has questioned the FDA's oversight of foreign GLP-1 ingredient imports, citing concerns over safety verification at listed overseas facilities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the federal government increase regulation of foreign pharmaceutical imports to ensure consumer safety?

Dr. Michael Burgess has criticized the FDA for maintaining a green list that allows the import of foreign GLP-1 ingredients. He argued the program creates risks as manufacturers on the list may source materials from unapproved facilities.

Why it matters

The FDA established the green list to combat domestic GLP-1 shortages, but critics argue the process lacks sufficient oversight. The system currently allows imports from listed facilities without additional verification, despite the United States having no current shortage.

Approximately 11 percent of American adults are currently taking GLP-1s for weight loss, a significant increase from 3 percent in 2024. Additionally, 15 percent of Americans report having used these medications previously.

The players

Michael Burgess

He is a medical doctor who served as a congressman representing Texas for two decades and delivered 3,000 babies.

FDA

The Food and Drug Administration is the federal agency responsible for regulating food and drug safety in the United States.

Harbin Jixianglong Biotech

This is a biotech entity identified by the FDA for shipping unapproved semaglutide to the United States.

The details

The FDA admitted that Harbin Jixianglong Biotech sourced unapproved semaglutide from an unlisted facility before labeling and shipping it to the United States. While the green list was designed to alleviate drug shortages, China remains the most represented country on the registry.

In 2024, 3 percent of American adults were taking GLP-1s for weight loss.
The FDA launched the GLP-1 green list in September 2025.
By 2026, the share of American adults taking GLP-1s rose to 11 percent.
Dr. Michael Burgess reported on the Harbin Jixianglong Biotech case in September 2026.
Dr. Burgess discussed these concerns at a policy event on October 6, 2026.

The Big Picture

This controversy follows the implementation of the FDA GLP-1 green list, which serves as a central regulatory mechanism for drug imports. The debate over this list reflects ongoing tensions regarding supply chain safety for rapidly expanding medical treatments.

Patients currently taking weight loss medications may face uncertainty regarding the quality of their supply. This regulatory scrutiny may lead to future changes in how pharmacies source and verify active ingredients.

The takeaway

The rise in GLP-1 usage to 11 percent of the adult population underscores the need for robust vetting of imported drug ingredients. Patients should prioritize verifying the source of their medications through their healthcare providers to ensure safety.