A recall was issued for over 150 items containing hydrolyzed vegetable protein after salmonella Tennessee was discovered in products made by Las Vegas based Basic Food Flavors. The FDA, conscious of criticism received for slow action in the past, launched an aggressive crisis response effort with a list of potentially affected products and, along with it, some advice that probably could have used a little more thought. A quote from the FoodLiabilityBlog has the details:
Consumers, who may have been unaware of the existence of HVP, are starting to learn how pervasive an ingredient it is in packaged and processed foods. The FDA has a handy list of products so far affected by the recall. There’s a widget, too.
So far, no one has been reported to have been made sick or died as a result of this outbreak.
The FDA warns consumers “Remember to follow cooking instructions on all foods”, except that many of the foods that contain HVP are not ones consumers cook. Included are salad dressings, ready to eat meal products, sauce and marinade mixes and snacks. I don’t think there’s a way for a consumer to cook a pretzel.
Getting the public informed quickly makes crisis management for the situation much easier, and with Basic Food Flavors and the FDA coordinating efforts to handle the recall as quickly as possible, there’s a good chance illness will be avoided altogether.
The BCM Blogging Team
https://www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com/