FDA Announces Recall of Frozen Tater Tots—More Than 1 Million Pounds Affected

More than a million pounds of tater tots have been recalled in 26 states, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The frozen products were initially recalled on December 3 because they may contain “hard, clear plastic fragments,” which pose a safety risk if consumed. On January 6, the FDA assigned the recall the second highest risk level, Class II, meaning the risk of serious health consequences is low, but there is potential for temporary or reversible effects.

The recall involves 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 weight 30 lb)
• Quantity concerned: 21,256 cases

Sysco Imperial Potato Barrel

• Item number: 1000006067
• UPC: 1 07 34730 62740 0
• Packaging: six 5 lb bags per case (net weight 30 lb)
• Quantity concerned: 17,597 cases

Products have been distributed to 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 has not provided specific instructions for this recall, but with a Class II risk level, the safest option is to throw out the tater tots or return them for a refund. However, the bulk products were intended for food service providers, such as restaurants, and are unlikely to be found in consumers’ freezers.