Northern Star Co. Initiates Recall of Retail Potato Products

admin — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:24:08 +0000

Northern Star Co. today initiated a voluntary product recall of certain retail cut-and-bagged potato products. The recall is being initiated due to laboratory testing that showed a package of Simply Potatoes Southwest Style Hash Browns to contain Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

The affected products include the following items, with “use by” dates on the package of March 29, 2009 to April 3, 2009:

       Brand                     Product                         UPC Code
  Simply Potatoes    Shredded Hash Browns - 20 oz. bag          20169-22233
  Simply Potatoes    Southwest Style Hash Browns - 20 oz. bag   20169-22236
  Simply Potatoes    Homestyle Slices - 20 oz. bag              20169-22237
  Simply Potatoes    Red Potato Wedges - 20 oz. bag             20169-22238
  Diners Choice      Shredded Hash Browns - 2 lb. bag           20169-22223
  Farm Fresh         Shredded Hash Browns - 16 oz. bag          20169-22533

There have been no illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

Northern Star Co. potato products are considered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a “not ready to eat” product, meaning that consumers must cook them properly to ensure they are safe to eat. Proper cooking of these products to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for two minutes kills Listeria bacteria. However, consumers may return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund or replacement.

This recall affects only retail products, not Northern Star Co. foodservice products.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially serious disease marked by fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis, but it can cause fatal infections in high-risk groups such as infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis can also lead to miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

Consumer inquiries can be directed to Northern Star Co.’s consumer hotline at 1-800-228-8105.

Source: Northern Star Co.

Recall Insider

Recalls and Safety Issues » listeria monocytogenes bacteria

Northern Star Co. Initiates Recall of Retail Potato Products

Related posts