FDA chief orders programs review

WASHINGTON — The head of the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday he has commissioned an independent review of the agency’s food and tobacco programs following months of criticism over its handling of the baby formula shortage and e-cigarette reviews.

The announcement comes as FDA Commissioner Robert Califf attempts to push past several controversies that have dominated his second stint running the agency.

Califf said the nonprofit Reagan-Udall Foundation — a nongovernmental research group created by Congress to support the FDA’s work — would convene experts to deliver evaluations within 60 business days of both the food and tobacco operations.