May 5, 2006

Food Bank Network Recalling Canned Potato Soup

The Montana Food Bank Network is voluntarily recalling 14.5-ounce cans of potato soup that were distributed through the Ronan Breadbasket in Ronan from April 15 through May 5.

The soup may have been processed incorrectly and may be unsafe to eat, according to Peggy Grimes, executive director of the Food Bank Network in Missoula.

“At this point we don’t know if the food is contaminated in any way,” Grimes said, “but we will not take any risks with the health and safety of our clients.”  “Even if just one can were involved, our recall process would be the same.”

Anyone who got potato soup from this food pantry should not eat or serve it. They should return it to the Ronan Breadbasket.

The soup cans have a white label with the words “Potato Soup” printed in black letters.

The soup was processed at the Food Bank Network’s cannery in Deer Lodge. Records indicated that some of the soup may not have been processed for the required length of time. Underprocessing can, in some cases, result in the growth of the bacteria that produce botulism toxin in some food products.

Food Bank Network staff immediately notified the Food and Consumer Safety Section of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, which has been assisting the Food Bank Network in securing the products.  DPHHS is confident that the Food Bank Network is taking all necessary steps to recall the products in question.

“We are proud of the high quality of products produced at the Cannery,” Grimes said. “The operators are extremely conscientious about food safety”.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Grimes at (406) 273-2496 or (406) 721-3825.

Page last updated: 06/13/2006