Salmonella in Processed Food Ingredient Forces Recall

LAS VEGAS — Salmonella tennessee has been identified in a processed food ingredient called hydrolyzed vegetable protein produced by Basic Food Flavors here.

HVP is commonly used as a flavor enhancer in soups, sauces, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, dips and dressings. Fifty-six items including Trader Joe’s Organic Creamy Ranch Dressing & Dip, Great Value Ranch Chip Dip and Castella Chicken Soup Base have been recalled.

The Food and Drug Administration conducted an investigation at Basic Food Flavors' facility after a company it supplies detected Salmonella in a production lot of HVP and reported it to the new FDA reportable food registry.

“Our investigators were able to identify this problem before any illnesses occurred,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamberg, in a statement. “While the investigation is continuing, the ageny is closely monitoring and assessing the potential risk of illness from affected produt.”

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