FDA Examines Production of Spices, Recalls Salmonella-Tainted Seasoning

The Food and Drug Administration is getting tougher on the spice industry after 16 recalls, since 2001, of tainted products. Most recently, black and red pepper has been linked to a nationwide salmonella outbreak. Americans have increased their consumption of spices over the past few decades and are at higher risk of becoming ill from salmonella-laden spices, most of which are grown overseas. The FDA is pressuring the spice industry to improve their processing methods to minimize contamination of their products. (3/14) Washington Post The seasoning, HVP, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, has been the target of a recent recall by the FDA involving seven companies, including Kroger, and several dozen items; soups, dips gravy and seasoning mixes. A recent test of HVP from Basic Food Flavors showed the product was contaminated with salmonella. (3/11) Oregon Business News