We have been accustomed to hearing about recalls of food products because of concerns they may make us sick. But according to a federal watchdog, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sometimes drags its feet on recalls.

An extremely unusual “early alert” report on the problem was issued recently by the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services. That wording means the IG considers FDA shortcomings to be an immediate, serious threat to the health of some Americans.

According to the report, the FDA sometimes delayed recall orders for months after learning of problems such as salmonella in certain food products. Congress should demand an explanation from the FDA – without delay.