More than 1 million pounds of tater tots have been recalled across 26 states, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The frozen products were initially recalled on Dec. 3 because they may contain “clear hard plastic fragments,” which pose a safety hazard if consumed. On Jan. 6, the FDA gave the recall the second-highest risk level, Class II, which means the risk of serious health consequences is low, but there is a potential for temporary or reversible effects.
The recall affects two items produced by McCain Foods USA Inc:
Ore-Ida Tater Tots Shaped Potatoes
- Item number: OIF00215A
- UPC: 1 00 72714 00215 8
- Packaging: six 5-lb bags per case (net wt. 30 lbs)
- Affected quantity: 21,256 cases
Sysco Imperial Potato Tater Barrel
- Item number: 1000006067
- UPC: 1 07 34730 62740 0
- Packaging: six 5-lb bags per case (net wt. 30 lbs)
- Affected quantity: 17,597 cases
The products were distributed in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The FDA did not provide specific instructions for this recall, but with a Class II risk level, the safest option is to throw the tater tots away, or return them for a refund. However, the bulk-sized products were meant for foodservice providers, such as restaurants, and are unlikely to be in consumers’ freezers.
