Illinois Included In Massive Frozen Tater Tot Recall

Sometimes, after a hard day, you look for some comfort. Especially when it comes to food.

If you’re anything like me, frozen tater tots have to be one of your go-to comfort foods. They're easy, they're crispy, and they're pretty much perfect with a side of ketchup or a few splashes of a really good hot sauce.

However, a big recall out of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is putting those golden potato bites under a microscope this winter, and is asking you to check your freezers.

Earlier this month, McCain Foods USA Inc. voluntarily recalled nearly 40,000 cases of frozen tater tots after hard plastic fragments were found in some bags and bulk boxes. The recall affects two products: Ore-Ida Tater Tots and Sysco Imperial Potato Tater Barrels.

This Isn't Some Small Regional Recall, It's Big

The FDA says the affected products were shipped to 26 states, including Illinois. From Alaska to Florida, California to Wisconsin, restaurants, cafeterias, and even some home cooks could have these in freezers.

Here’s the full statewide list where the recall applies:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Here's What To Look For In Your Freezer

The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, which means that while the risk of serious health issues like choking or internal injury is considered low, exposure to hard plastic pieces could cause temporary health effects or injuries. No illnesses or injuries have been reported so far, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take this recall seriously.

Roughly 21,000 cases of Ore-Ida Tater Tots are included in the recall. Product details are as follows (hat tip to FoxBusiness.com):

• Item number: OIF00215A
• Net weight: 30 pounds
• UPC: 1 00 72714 00215 8
• Batch codes: 1005479808, 1005477924, 1005478883, 1005480444, 1005480875, 1005481627, 1005481770

Around 17,500 cases of Sysco Imperial Potato Tater Barrels are also affected. Product details include:

• Item number: 1000006067
• Weight: 6/5 pounds
• UPC 1 07 34730 62740 0
• Batch codes: 1005482717, 1005483735, 1005484702, 1005485462, 1005485660

If You Happen To Have Any Of The Recalled Products, Here's What To Do

Stop eating the product immediately. Check your freezer and discard any recalled product safely, or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Keep an eye on batch codes and packaging if you’re unsure whether your tater tots are included in the recall.

Even if your bag looks fine, these tiny fragments can be hard to spot, and they’re not something you want ending up in your teeth or down your throat.