Nevada Based Company Sparks One of the Largest Food Recalls In Recent U.S. History

On March 4, 2010 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its active investigation into findings of Salmonella Tennessee in hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) manufactured by Basic Food Flavors, Incorporated located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Based on that investigation, the FDA has now launched a massive recall of potentially tainted products. As of March 11, at least 105 products containing the ingredient have been included in the recall. To date, no reported illnesses have been linked to the product contamination.

HVP is a type of flavor enhancer used in many processed food products, including soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, dips, and dressings. In addition, it is commonly combined with other spices to create seasonings used in or on foods. Only HVP manufactured by Basic Food Flavors is involved in the recall. The FDA investigation took place at the company’s facility following a report made to the FDA Reportable Food Registry by a Basic Food Flavors customer indicating that Salmonella Tennessee was found in one production lot of HVP.

After collecting and analyzing samples at the facility, the presence of Salmonella Tennessee was confirmed in the Basic Food Flavors processing equipment. This sparked a recall of all hydrolyzed vegetable protein in powder and paste form that has been produced by the company since Sept. 17, 2009. According to Dr. Jeff Farrar, associate commissioner for food protection, FDA’s Office of Foods, “This situation clearly underscores the need for new food safety legislation to equip FDA with the tools we need to prevent contamination.” An inspection report recently released by the FDA stated that Basic Food Flavors was aware that both their plant and product were contaminated with Salmonella Tennessee as early as January 21. Despite this fact, the company continued to distribute HVP paste and powder products until February 15. According to KTNV Las Vegas, the company has now voluntarily closed.

Among the latest additions to the list of recalled products potentially containing salmonella-tainted HVP is 1.7 million pounds of ready-to-eat beef taquito and chicken quesadilla products from Windsor Foods, a firm with operations in Texas and Mississippi, as well as 115,700 pounds of Tornados Ranchero Beef & Cheese roll-ups from Ruiz Foods of Texas. In addition, Procter & Gamble Company has recalled two versions of Pringles chips because of concerns about potential Salmonella exposure. These include both the Cheeseburger and “Taco Night” versions of the snack. Also now included in the recall are certain flavors of Hawaiian Kettle Style Potato Chips and Quaker Crispy Mini Rice Cakes.

The FDA has advised the industry to either destroy the recalled bulk HVP product or to recondition it according to FDA-approved procedures. In addition, FDA is recommending recalls of certain products that consumers could eat without processes or cooking steps that would diminish the potential risk. The FDA is recommending that consumers follow cooking instructions for all foods, report symptoms of Salmonella or other food-related illness to a local health care professional, and to check the recalled products site located at www.foodsafety.gov for current listings of recalled products.

(Full recall list on page 2)