Massive Tater Tot Recall Hits Wisconsin

Over 648,000 pounds of frozen tater tots distributed to Wisconsin food service clients recalled due to potential plastic contamination.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The FDA has announced a recall of over 648,000 pounds of frozen tater tot products distributed to 28 states, including Wisconsin. The recall was initiated by McCain Foods USA Inc. after small pieces of hard plastic were found in some lots. The recall covers two products - Ore-Ida Tater Tots and Sonic Tots - packaged in 30-pound bulk cases for restaurants, schools, and other food service operations.

Why it matters

Recalls of this magnitude can significantly disrupt food service operations and raise concerns about food safety. While the FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, meaning the chance of serious harm is considered remote, the discovery of plastic in food products is understandably alarming for consumers.

The details

The recall spans over 21,600 30-pound cases of the affected tater tot products, which were distributed to food service clients in 28 states. The Ore-Ida Tots involved expanded batch codes and use-by dates, while the Sonic Tots included a single batch and production code tied to an October 2025 run at McCain's Burley, Idaho, facility. Wisconsin diners and institutions that received the affected products are being instructed to stop using the tots immediately and check their additional inventory for matching batch codes and use-by dates.

  • The recall was initiated by McCain Foods USA Inc. on February 10th, 2026.
  • The Sonic Tots recall is tied to a production run in October 2025 at McCain's Burley, Idaho, facility.

The players

McCain Foods USA Inc.

The food processing company that initiated the recall of over 648,000 pounds of frozen tater tot products distributed to 28 states, including Wisconsin.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The federal agency that classified the tater tot recall as Class II, meaning consumption may result in temporary or medically reversible health effects, and the chance of serious harm is considered remote.

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What’s next

Wisconsin diners and institutions that received the affected products are being instructed to stop using the tots immediately and check their additional inventory for matching batch codes and use-by dates.

The takeaway

This large-scale recall of tater tot products highlights the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in the food service industry. While the risk of serious harm is considered low, the discovery of plastic contamination is a concerning issue that can disrupt operations and erode consumer trust.