Due to potential Salmonella contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of the HVP product on March 4, 2010. Although the HVP has already been recalled, as announced by FDA, the bacon base product packages bear the USDA mark of inspection on the outside of the case. A recall of this product was warranted due to the determination that the HVP ingredient was added after Salmonella prevention steps were applied.The product subject to recall includes:
1-lb. plastic cups of "MINOR'S BACON BASE.
Each package contains code numbers "92815489," "93095489," or "93385489" as well as the case code "00 074826 08606 7-00 G 11003264." Each case contains 6 cups and bears establishment number "1045" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The RTE product was produced on Oct. 8, 2009, Nov. 5, 2009, and Dec. 4, 2009.
The RTE product was distributed nationwide to distributors and restaurants.
According to FDA's March 4, 2010 release, FDA conducted an investigation after a customer of an FDA regulated firm reported finding Salmonella in the HVP ingredient. This resulted in the subsequent recall of the contaminated products.
Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.