A common flavor enhancer called HVP, or hydrolyzed vegetable protein, has been recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because of possible contamination with the salmonella bacteria. This flavor enhancer is contained in potentially thousands of food products, such as dips, dressing, hot dogs, soups, chili’s, sauces and snack foods that are seasoned.
A Las Vegas company manufactures HVP, and so far no illnesses have been reported, according to Dr. Ian Williams, who is acting chief of outbreak response and prevention branch for the CDC. Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg, FDA commissioner, stated that the investigators identified the problem before any sickness took place, but states that the investigation continues and that the agency is taking reasonable action to insure that the health of the public is protected.
Basic Food Flavors, Inc., out of Las Vegas is the manufacturer of the HVP that is involved in this recall, which is a first for this common ingredient. According to Dr. Jeff Farrar, associate commissioner for food safety with the FDA, it is unknown at the present how large this recall with get. He believes that over the next several weeks, the recall will expand. Farrar says that many products that contain the HVP will not be recalled, because there is a Salmonella prevention measure or “kill step” in place that is designed to kill salmonella.
The FDA received a tip from a customer of Basic Food Flavors in 2009, which led to the collecting and analyzation of samples at the facility. The company’s processing equipment was found to have salmonella Tennessee present. Basic Food Flavors is recalling all HVP in both paste and powder forms that it has manufactured since September 17th of last year. At present, several steps are being taken by the FDA to protect consumers from possible salmonella infection.
The FDA is advising the food industry that HVP products included in this recall should be destroyed or reconditioned in accordance with procedures approved by the FDA. They are also recommending that certain products that could possibly be eaten by consumers without being processed or cooked be recalled in order to address the potential risk. If you were infected and received medical treatment, don’t hesitate to contact a Salmonella food poisoning attorney immediately to see if you can recover medical costs, lost wages and potentially other costs.
Consumers may visit http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/HVPCP/ to find a list of recalled products.
Brown Chiari is a law firm compiled of experienced New York food poisoning attorneys representing victims of food-borne illness related injuries.
