Widespread food recall due to Salmonella

FDA ordered a widespread food recall due to Salmonella found in flavor enhancers used in thousands of processed foods.  All the more reason to eat fresh whole foods and avoid processed packaged foods… even though they are darned convenient.

The product, called hydrolyzed vegetable protein or HVP, can be found in processed food products, including soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, dips and dressings.  At this point, the FDA doesn’t know how large this recall will get, but the expect it to grow larger over next several days to several weeks.  Thus far, no illnesses have been reported.

For list of recalled products, go to http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/HVPCP/

• Remember to follow cooking instructions for all foods.
• Report symptoms of Salmonella or other food-related illness to your local health care professional.

Salmonella bacteria can cause diarrhea, fever and cramps. It can can be a serious and sometimes fatal infection in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.