FDA Issues Food Recall of 56 Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) Food Products

Traces of salmonella were recently found in an assortment of food products containing Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) prompting a food recall by the Food and Drug Administration.

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein is a popular flavor enhancer added in small amounts to many processed foods. According to the FDA Web site, HVA is used to add flavor to commercially processed foods such as hot dogs, chili, dip mixes, soups, salad dressings, snack foods, and frozen dinners. This recent bout of contamination was detected very early, and while no one has become sick yet as a result of the salmonella found in the HVP, the FDA is advising manufacturers which food products are to be recalled.

Because HVP is so widely used in the food industry, a consumer can not determine on his own which products carry the Salmonella Tennessee bacteria. The FDA Web site does notes that only HVP produced by Basic Food Services are on the recall list.

What foods have been recalled?

The list of recalled foods is pretty extensive and covers some 56 products. Consumer can view the entire list of recalled food here. The recalled foods tainted with the salmonella are categorized by type or brand. Consumers can also download a .pdf file listing all 56 of the foods involved in the recall.

Several of the T. Marzetti dip packets are on the list, along with Tim's Cascade Snacks popular "Hawaiian" line of Sweet Maui onion chips and rings. There's also quite a few of the Earth Island "Follow Your Heart" prepackaged meals on the list along with a few dip and dressing food items packaged under the name "Trader Joe."

UPDATE Two varieties of Pringles are also now on the recall list as a precautionary move by the manufacturer. The flavors affected by the recall are Pringles Restaurant Cravers Cheeseburger (UPC: 37000 26936 Best-by Dates: 02/2011 or 04/2011) and Pringles Family Faves Taco Night (UPC: 37000 26773 Best-by Dates: 03/2011 or 04/2011 or 05/2011)

Who to call for more information?

Not everything with HVP is contaminated, and not all products made by these companies are on the recall list. For complete information, check out the FDA Web site. You can also call the manufacturer (phone number should be listed on the product) for more information. The manufacturer can best advise you as to safe handling, refunds, and/or disposal of the product.

sources:
http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/recalls/index.html
http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/pg/42830/