Canada expands recall of flavour-enhanced foods

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which is closely following a U.S. investigation and recall of foods containing hydrolyzed vegetable protein,has expanded its recall of products that contain theflavour enhancer, which may be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

The agency warned the public Sunday not to eat some pretzel and dip products because they contain hydrolyzed vegetable protein, or HVP,made by Basic Food Flavors Inc. of Las Vegas.

Fifty-six food products made by Basic Food Flavors and suspected of possibly containing 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.

On Sunday, the CFIA said the following foods, made in the U.S. and distributed nationally, are being voluntarily recalled by the importers:

• Pretzel Bytes Honey Mustard by H.K. Anderson
• Southwest Ranch Veggie Dip by President's Choice Honey Mustard flavour

Last week, the agency announced a recall of two types of T. 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 Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Costco is voluntarily recalling the product.

There have been no confirmed cases of illnesses related to any of the recalled products in the U.S. or Canada, the agency said.

Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled, but eating it can cause salmonellosis, the CFIA said. The food-borne illness can cause serious and sometimes deadly infections in children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

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

The CFIA said this is an ongoing food safety investigation. As more products are identified, the agency said it will continue to update its list of recalled products.