Golf-Ball Tainted Hash Brown Recall Includes Georgia

ATLANTA, GA — Georgia shoppers should be on the lookout for frozen hash browns that could be contaminated by — of all things — golf ball pieces.

McCain Foods USA, Inc. has issued a recall for its frozen hash browns because of concerns of contamination by "golf ball materials." Georgia is one of eight states included in the recall.

The hash browns — made by McCain Foods USA, Inc., which distributes them under the Harris Teeter and Roundy’s brands — may have been contaminated with "golf ball materials" that were "inadvertently harvested with potatoes used to make this product," according to a press release from the FDA.

The materials could cause a choking hazard or a "physical injury to the mouth" if eaten, the FDA release said.

The affected products include: Roundy’s Brand, 2 lb. Bag of Frozen Southern Style Hash Browns (UPC 001115055019) and Harris Teeter Brand, 2 lb. Bag of Frozen Southern Style Hash Browns (UPC 007203649020). The production code is B170119, which can be found on the back of the packaging.

The Roundy's hash browns shouldn't be a problem in Georgia. They were distributed at Marianos, Metro Market, and Pick ‘n Save grocery stores in Illinois and Wisconsin.

The Harris Teeter products were distributed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia and Maryland. The products were manufactured on January 19 and distributed after that date.

No injuries have been reported because of the golf ball contamination.

Anyone who has the affected products should throw them out, McCain says, and can call 630- 857-4533 with any questions.

"Food safety remains a top priority for McCain Foods USA, Inc. and we have full confidence that all appropriate steps are being taken to protect our consumers," the recall announcement says. "McCain is working cooperatively with the Food & Drug Administration and the respective supermarkets to ensure the affected products are removed from the marketplace."

Patch's Marc Torrence contributed to this report.

Image courtesy FDA