Food manufacturers rushed to recall products made with hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it found Salmonella Tennessee in one company’s supply of the ingredient, widely-used used as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods, including soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods, dips and dressings.

“Our investigators were able to identify this problem before any illnesses occurred," said FDA commissioner Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg. "While the investigation is continuing, the agency is supporting reasonable steps to continue to protect the public health.”

Recalls of foods made with MVP announced included:

Honey Mustard Onion-Seasoned Pretzels made by National Pretzel Co. and sold under a variety of brand names included HK Anderson, CVS, President's Choice, Safeway, Sunflower Markets and in bulk;

McCormick & Co. Products including French Onion Dip Mix, Vegetable Dip Mix, Onio Gravy Dip Mix and Corn Bread Stuffing;

Fresh Food Concepts products including spinach and vegetable dips sold under brand names including Delicioso, De la Casa, Rojo's, and Fresh Food Concepts;

Concord Foods Vegetable Dip Seasoning, 1.5-oz size;

Old Apple Tree Tomme Cheese made by the Estrella Family Creamery of Montesano, WAshington;

HERB-OX Bouillon Products made by Creative Contract Packaging Corp.;

The manufacturer of the affected product is Basic Food Flavors Inc in Las Vegas, Nevada. Only HVP manufactured by Basic Food Flavors is involved in this recall. The FDA conducted an investigation at the facility after a customer of Basic Food Flavors reported finding Salmonella Tennessee in one production lot of HVP to the new FDA Reportable Food Registry.

FDA collected and analyzed samples at the facility and confirmed the presence of Salmonella Tennessee in the company’s processing equipment. The company is recalling all hydrolyzed vegetable protein in powder and paste form that it has produced since Sept. 17, 2009.