The public warning issued earlier today has been expanded to include additional information on product distribution.
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is advising the public not to consume California Red Potatoes purchased from 29 January 2002 until 9 March 2002 at a number of stores in Manitoba and Northern Ontario across to and including Thunder Bay.
The distributor, Crescent Multi-Foods, Winnipeg, Manitoba is voluntarily recalling the potatoes from the marketplace because they may contain glycoalkaloids that cause illness if consumed.
Glycoalkaloids are naturally occurring chemicals found in potatoes, where they tend to be unevenly distributed in the potato being more concentrated near the outer surface and in the peel. Elevated levels of glycoalkaloids can occur in green potatoes (due to exposure to light), unripe potatoes, potatoes damaged from pre- or post- harvest mechanical handling,
improper storage or other environmental stress factors. Their presence may impart a bitter or musty taste and they are not destroyed by cooking.
Exposure to excessive levels of glycoalkaloids can cause acute toxic effects and these may vary from burning sensation in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal irritation to nervous system impairment. In extreme cases, death can occur.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
Consumers with questions are advised to contact their store to determine if they have purchased the affected product.
For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the following numbers:
Crescent Multi-Foods, Greg Kennedy 1-800-665-0524 or (204) 943-7461;
CFIA, in the province of Quebec 1-800-561-3350; or
CFIA, in other provinces and territories 1-800-442-2342.
To view the list of stores associated with the recall, click here.
