More recalls issued in salmonella probe

WASHINGTON, March 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced more recalls of food products containing an ingredient possibly contaminated with bacteria.

Officials said the source of a strain of bacteria known as Salmonella Tennessee has been traced to hydrolyzed vegetable protein paste and powder distributed by Basic Food Flavors Inc. of Las Vegas. The ingredient is used as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods, including soups, sauces, chilies, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, dips and dressings.

Only HVP manufactured by Basic Foods is involved in the recall.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems," the FDA said.

Among the latest related recalls:

-- The National Pretzel Co. of Lancaster, Pa.: all varieties of HK Anderson-brand honey mustard onion flavored pretzels produced since December.

-- Fresh Food Concepts, Inc.: Certain production codes of Delicioso, De la Casa, Rojo's and Fresh Food Concepts brands of spinach dips and Fresh Food Concepts spinach dip with yogurt.

-- McCormick & Company: McCormick-brand French onion dip mix, onion gravy dip mix, vegetable dip mix and corn bread stuffing.

-- Concord Foods Inc: Concord Foods-brand vegetable dip seasoning mix.

A FDA listing of all products recalled in connection with the HVP contamination is available at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/HVPCP/HydrolyzedVegetableProteinProductsList2010.pdf.