Complete list of food recalls triggered by salmonella contamination

The following are summaries of recall statements posted at the FDA website by individual companies which are recalling possibly thousands of processed foods flavored by a flavor-enhancing ingredient known as hydrolyzed vegetable protein or HVP made by Basic Food Flavors based out of Las Vegas, unfortunately potentially contaminated with salmonella Tennessee.

The list should be considered complete as of today.  We believe that the risk of the recalled products may pose is extremely low to healthy consumers.  But those who are young, elderly and those who have had their immune systems compromised should exercise caution.

The recall timeline

Feb 26

The first recall related to salmonella-contaminated hydrolysed vegetable protein or HVP made by Basic Food Flavors which announced its own recall on March 4 is the one by Johnny's Fine Foods based out of Tacoma, Washington.  Food consumers should thank the company for its quick action to protect consumers' health.

The company issued its recall on Feb 26 for its products with potential salmonella contamination, French Dip Powdered Au Jus in 6oz bottles and French Dip Powdered Au Jus in 1.1oz foil packets. The 6-oz product was packed in a clear plastic bottle with a reed, white, and blue label showing the expiration date is 0332 and the 1.1-oz product was packed in a red, white, and blue foil packet with the expiration date 02212 printed on the label. Food consumers if they have any questions or concerns are advised to contact Johnny's Fine Foods at 1-800-962-1462.

March 1

On March 1, T. Marzetti Company and Heartland Foods Inc. issued their voluntary recalls for the products with the salmonella tainted food enhancer made by Basic Food Flavors.  

T. Marzetti Company based out of Columbus Ohio announced a voluntary recall for T. Marzetti Veggie Dips, Oak Lake Dips and Great Value Chip Dips. The detailed information on the recall can be viewed at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm202608.htm Those who have any questions can call the company at 1 800-427-0147 or visit its website at www.marzetti.com

Another company that issued a recall on the same day is Heartland Foods Inc which is recalling all sizes/containers of COARSE GROUND BLACK PEPPER shipped on or after Oct. 19th to Feb 17th, 2010 from the facility at 6815 E 34th Street, Indianapolis IN. The products being recalled were packed in 1 lb Quart jars, 4 lb Gallon containers, and 8 lb bucket or pail. Each package carries an individual label showing the Heartland Foods company logo and the product description "Coarse Ground Black Pepper" and specific weight of the package. Heartland Foods can be reached 1 800-762-6909.

March 2

Castella Imports Inc of Hauppauge, NY started recalling Castella Chicken Soup that used the salmonella-tainted HVP. The product was distributed to food service establishments and also retail stores (1 lb product).  Food consumers need to know that the 1-lb Castella Chicken Soup Base was packed in an opaque plastic jar with a white cap, a gold seal, a light yellow label and UPC code 7 50144 33000 5. Four lots, 0912039918, 1001121915, 1002013074, and 1002194266, are being recalled. The expiration dates for these recalled lots range from 11-25-2010 to 2-18-2011.

On the same day, Tim's Cascade Snacks. based out of Algona, Washington, began recalling 'HAWAIIAN® Kettle Style Potato Chips - SWEET MAUI ONION’ AND 'HAWAIIAN - SWEET MAUI ONION RINGS' because the product contains salmonella tainted HVP. The recalled products were distributed nationwide and in Canada through retail stores, distributors, direct delivery and Internet sales. For detailed recalled product information, visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm202813.htm The company can be reached at 1-888-299-7646.

March 3

Reser's Fine Foods Inc issued a voluntary recall for Ranch House Dressing, Creamy Ranch Dip, Clam Dip, French Onion Dip, Cheese and bacon Dip, Creamy Ranch Dip, Redskin Potato Safeway, Potato Redskin Walmart, Redskin Potato and Ranch Dip.  For detail information on recalled products, visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm203019.htm  Food consumers with any questions should call the food manufacturer at 1-888-230-0062.

Homemade Gourmet of Canton Texas also started recalling about 320 packages of 1.96 oz Tortilla Soup Mix.  The product was distributed nationwide through mail order delivery and through independent consultant sales.  The lots of concern are S1004812411 and S1004912111, which were sold 2/17/2010 through 3/1/2010.  For more information, visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm202961.htm  Consumers with questions should contact Homemade Gourmet at 1-888-477-2848.

Earth Island also issued a recall for a series of deli products "Follow your heart dressings", which were sold at grocery and health food stores. Detailed recall information is available at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm202978.htm  Earth Island can be reached at (818) 725-2820.

March 4

Creative Contract Packaging Corporation based out of Aurora, Illinois also issued a recall on March 3 for HERB-OX® beef, vegetable, and chicken granular bouillon products with specific code dates because salmonella contaminated HVP was used in the products.  The recalled product information is available at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm203307.htm  Consumers with questions should contact the company at at 1-877-446-7635.

March 5

Concord Foods of Brockton MA also on the same day issued a voluntary recall for a vegetable dip seasoning mix due to fears of possible salmonella contamination.  The recalled product was distributed nationwide in the United States under the Concord Foods brand in foil pouches and sold in produce section of the supermarket, according to the FDA.  This 1.5-oz vegetable dip seasoning mix bears a UPC code 041409002066 and the label states it is best used by 07/27/12. Whoever has any question should contact Concord Foods at 1-800-924-5775 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm EST.

McCormick & Company also began recalling McCormick French Onion Dip Mix, McCormick Vegetable Dip Mix, McCormick Onion Gravy Dip Mix and McCormick Corn Bread Stuffing manufactured with HVP (hydrolyzed vegetable protein) supplied by Basic Food Flavors of Las Vegas, Nevada, because the ingredient has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  The product details are available at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm203339.htm and the company can be reached at 1 800 632-5847

Fresh Food Concepts of Buena Park, California initiated recalling for Spinach Dips and Fresh Food Concepts Spinach Dip with Yogurt which were distributed Nationwide in plastic tubs and sold in the refrigerated section of the supermarket.  Detailed product information is listed on http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm203346.htm and the company can be contacted at 1-714 562-5000

All recalls are voluntary.  The products being recalled contain the flavor enhancing agent HVP made by Basic Food Flavors.

Care to read all the product information?  Click here.

Compiled by David Liu and editing by Denise Reynolds