The FDA announced earlier this month that it was recalling multiple food products using a flavor enhancer known as hydrolyzed vegetable protein after the facility of one supplier of the enhancer, Basic Food Flavors ("BFF"), was found contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have yet been reported.
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) is used in many processed foods, including soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, tofu, dips, and dressings. The FDA has made available a list of the recalled products.
Interestingly, the FDA became aware of the contamination after a manufacturer that purchased HVP from BFF tested a shipment, discovered the contamination, and reported it to the FDA using a new online notification system put in place after last year's salmonella contamination involving peanut butter.
