Contact: Mark Salley
Director, Office of Communications
303-692-2013

Basic Food Flavors Recalls Hydrolyzed Vegetable Proteins (HVP)

    DENVER– The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment today announced that Basic Food Flavors Inc. of Las Vegas, issued a nationwide recall of all hydrolyzed vegetable proteins (HVP) in powder and paste form that it has produced since Sept. 17, 2009. 

    Because this food flavor base may be used in a variety of commercially processed foods, this may result in several firms issuing recalls of their products. Basic Food Flavors has contacted its customers who purchased HVP produced in this timeframe. 

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site lists 56 affected products that include dips, dressing and dressing mixes, pre-packaged meals, snacks and snack mixes, and soup mixes.  The list can be found by visiting http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/HVPCP/.
    
    To date, three firms have issued voluntary recalls with products that may be in Colorado. These products may have been distributed directly to the public at retail stores, restaurants and other facilities or via Internet sales. These products include the following:

• Certain Earth Island Follow Your Heart Organic 12-, 32-, and 120-oz Creamy Ranch Dressings
• Homemade Gourmet Tortilla Soup Mix
• Certain Reser’s Fine Foods Inc. products

    The initial recall by Basic Food Flavors is being conducted because one production lot in this timeframe tested positive for Salmonella and because Salmonella has been found in the environment of the manufacturing facility. There have been no reports of illnesses associated with this HVP.

    To learn more about the recalled products, please visit http://www.fda.gov/Food/default.htm or www.foodsafety.gov. As this recall is ongoing, there likely may be several additional recalls associated with the HVP. 

    Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms are advised to contact their health care provider.