Report: FDA takes too long to recall food

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WLS) -- The Food and Drug Administration is under fire for taking too long to recall unsafe food.

An audit of the FDA by the Office of the Inspector General from the Department of Health and Human Services says even after it has been determined a product is contaminated, a recall can take weeks.

The Inspector General's preliminary report says that "the FDA did not have an efficient and effective food recall initiation process."

In one case, the FDA took three months to force the recall of salmonella-tainted peanut butter and almond products.

The FDA says it is now reviewing cases weekly.