Listeria-Contaminated Potato Products Recalled in USA

Updated February 24, 2009 with Retail Distribution Information

Original article posted February 21, 2009

Northern Star Co. has recalled several of its cut-and-bagged potato products after lab testing detected Listeria monocytogenes in one of the products.

The following retail products, bearing "use by" dates of March 29, 2009 to April 3, 2009, are included in this precautionary recall. No foodservice products are affected.

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

These products are "cook-and-serve", not "ready-to-eat". Any Listeria monocytogenes present in or on the potatoes should be killed by normal cooking procedures. Nevertheless, the potato products present a cross-contamination risk in the kitchen. And, as Doug Powell pointed out in today's BarfBlog, microwave cooking of solid foods often leads to cold spots in which microbes such as Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella can survive.

The recalled potato products were available in Wal-Mart, TOPS, Stop & Shop, Giant Food, Wegmans, Harris Teeter, Bloom and Food Lion, Food City, Price Chopper, Big Y World Class Market, and other retail stores. Consumers should return these items to their retailer for a full refund.