CFIA monitors flavour enhancer recall

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency closely following a U.S. investigation and recall of a flavour enhancer that may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

Fifty-sixfood products manufacturered by Basic Food Flavors Inc. of Las Vegas and suspected of possibly containing hydrolyzed vegetable protein, or HVP have been recalled in the United States.

The ingredient is used as a flavour enhancer in soups, hot dogs, sauces and seasoned snack foods.

Earlier this week,the CFIA announced a recalloftwo types ofT. Marzetti Veggie Dips and Hawaiian Kettle Style Potato chips,Maui Sweet Onion flavour.

The dips were distributed nationally, while the potato chips were distributed by CostcoWholesale Canada Ltd. in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Costcois voluntarily recalling the product.

There have been no confirmed cases of illnessesrelated to any of the recalled products inthe U.S. or Canada.

THe CFIA says food contaminated with salmonellamay not look or smell spoiled, but eating it can cause salmonellosis. The food-borne illnesscan cause serious and sometimes deadly infections in children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosiscan cause short-term symptoms like high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.