Personal Injury Law

Simply Potatoes Contaminated With Listeria

By Jane Akre

The manufacturer of Simply Potatoes has issued a voluntary recall.

A Minnesota Department of Agriculture test showed bacterial contamination known as listeria monocytogenes.

The potatoes comes with a "Use By Date" of  March 29 to April 3, 2009.

• Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns, 20 oz bag, UPC Code: 2016922233
• Simply Potatoes Southwest Style Hash browns, 20 oz. bag, UPC Code: 2016922236
• Simply Potatoes Red Potato Wedges, 20 oz bag, UPC Code: 2016922238
• Simply Potatoes Homestyle Slices, 20 oz bag, UPC Code 20169-22237
• Diners Choice, Shredded Hash Browns - 2 lb. bag, UPC Code 20169-22223
• Farm Fresh, Shredded Hash Browns - 16 oz. bag, UPC 20169-22533

The manufactuer, Northern Star Co., says it has not received any reports of illness.  Consumers can call with questions at (800) 228-8015. 

Giant Food LLC and Stop & Shop Supermarket are beginning to take the 20 ounce bags off of stores shelves, according to AP. Consumers can return the product for a full refund. 

Simply Potatoes is considered a "not ready to eat" product by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  That means consumers are required to cook the product before it is safe to eat. Cooking the product to an internal temperature of 160 degrees for two minutes will kill listeria bacteria, the company says in a statement.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause symptoms that appear similar to flu and may include headache, stiffness, a high fever, and nausea. 

This type of bacterial contamination is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and can cause stillbirth and miscarriage. The FDA warns pregnant women not to eat hot dogs and luncheon meats unless they are steaming hot, or soft cheese such as Feta and Brie, unless they are made with pasturized milk.  Also at danger are those with a compromised immune system.    

Last August, a dozen people died of 26 confirmed cases of listeria food poisoning linked to tainted deli meats produced at a plant owned by Maple Leaf Foods, according to Canadian health officials.  #

Full post as published by InjuryBoard on February 23, 2009 (boomark / email).