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