Report: FDA finds problems at drug plants

WASHINGTON, May 27 (UPI) -- At least 43 U.S. pharmaceutical plants have received warning letters from the Food and Drug Administration since January 2009, USA Today reports.

The newspaper said it reviewed records that showed the letters were sent for failing to correct problems like contaminated equipment and lack of testing to ensure drugs are at the proper strength. Some companies also ignored letters from consumers about problems with their products.

In many other cases, the FDA found problems severe enough to call for correction but not bad enough to prompt a warning letter. Between 2002 and 2006, FDA inspections found such problems at 62 percent of overseas plants and more than half of those in the United States.

In April, there were recalls of liquid Tylenol and other drugs designed for use by children because of manufacturing problems. Propofol, a drug used in surgery, has also been in short supply because of safety recalls.