The Food and Drug Administration's officials have claimed that Basic Food Flavors continued the production and distribution of the flavoring, despite knowing that it was contaminated with salmonella.

FDA said that the company mangers had received the samples that tested positive for salmonella on January 21st.

Basic Food Flavors is known for producing hydrolyzed vegetable protein, which essentially enhances the flavor in processed food items. It is available in the form of a powder which is supposed to be mixed with the food.

"The FDA is reviewing the evidence in association with the current inspection of Basic Food Flavors to determine the appropriate regulatory response", FDA Spokeswoman Meghan Scott said.

However, the officials involved in Chemical and Food Safety Programs at Pew Charitable Trusts said that the legislation which will check the contaminated food production is yet to be cleared in the senate.

The FDA was first informed about the contamination problem by a food manufacturer in February, following which the inspectors visited the plant. They reported of the dirty utensils and equipments and some other problems that are home to bacteria breeding.

“In one area where paste mixers and belt dryers were positioned in the drain near the area, the hydrolyzed vegetable protein was turned from paste to powder. We sensed an odor in the vicinity of this drain", reported the inspectors.