FSIS Issues Temporary Labeling Guidance for Products Containing Recalled HVP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued temporary labeling guidance for products that contain hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) recently recalled for Salmonella contamination. As companies reformulate their products due to the recall, existing labels are likely to be out of compliance and may require temporary approval for continued use. To obtain temporary approval, companies are asked to follow the instructions highlighted on the FSIS website and submit a request to the FSIS Labeling and Program Delivery Division, which will expedite the requests marked clearly with a justification such as “HVP temporary label submission.”
FSIS will grant temporary approval for any product if the HVP is removed and any replacement ingredients do not represent an allergen concern. “In situations where negative claims or nutrient content claims appear on labeling, it is critical to stipulate that all claims will continue to be met, or provide information to support that claims remain correct,” according to FSIS. See FSIS Constituent Update, March 12, 2010.
Meanwhile, the HVP manufacturer at the center of the recall has publicly objected to suggestions that it knowingly shipped tainted products to consumers. Basic Food Flavors, Inc., has apparently criticized Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials for mischaracterizing the actions taken by the company, which initially believed that the contamination affected only one lot and had notified the customer accordingly. “While it is unclear whether FDA is suggesting in the Form 483 that Basic Foods knowingly shipped adulterated product, the language used by the agency and reported by the press has created that implication. We, therefore, consider it important to clarify that Basic Foods has not knowingly shipped into commerce any product the Company believed had the potential to contain Salmonella,” a Basic Foods spokesperson was quoted as saying. See FoodNavigator-USA.com, March 17, 2010.
