Recall of the Week: 94 food items contaminated with Salmonella Tennessee

Hydrolyzed vegetable protein or HVP found in 94 products is being recalled due to contamination with Salmonella Tennessee, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced March 4.

TVP is a common ingredient often used as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods, including soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, dips, and dressings.

The manufacturer of the product is Basic Food Flavors Inc. of Las Vegas, Nev.

The FDA conducted an investigation at the facility after a customer of the firm reported finding Salmonella Tennessee in one lot of HVP. The agency found Salmonella Tennessee in the company’s processing equipment. The company is recalling all TVP in powder and paste form that it has produced since Sept. 17, 2009.

There are no known illnesses associated with this contamination, the FDA said in its announcement.

The FDA is advising the industry that the recalled bulk HVP product should be destroyed or reconditioned according to FDA-approved procedures.

The agency also is recommending recalls of products that might be eaten by consumers without any processing or cooking steps to address the potential risk.

FDA recommends consumers should:

• Check their cupboards and refrigerators for the products on this recall list.

• Follow the cooking instructions for all foods.

• Report symptoms of Salmonella or other food-related illness to your health care provider.

People infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea that may be bloody, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Comments

[Processed foods]

It's good that FDA conducted an investigation for this. More people are now relying on processed food, and we should guarantee that it is safe to eat.