Receiving the news that some potato products by Northern Star Co are supposedly contaminated with a bacteria listeria monocytogenes, the Stop & Shop Supermarket has voluntarily recalled all suspected products.

Though there have been no reports of an illness related to the products, Stop & Shop said that those customers who have bought such products should dispose off left-over portions, if any; and can take full refund from any Stop & Shop store by showing their purchase receipts.

On Friday, an advisory was issued by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture with regard to some refrigerated potato products of Northern Star - an ancillary of Minnetonka-based Michael Foods - after tests revealed Listeria bacteria in a sample of Simply Potatoes Southwest Style Hash Browns.

According to Stop & Shop, the recalled products include Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns, Simply Potatoes Red Potato Wedges, and Simply Potatoes Homestyle Slices, which have “use by” dates between March 29 and April 3, 2009.

Generally, the Listeria bacteria causes flu-like symptoms, but in case of pregnant women, the infection can cause grave problems, which can even result in a miscarriage or stillbirth. The infection can also have serious repercussions in infants, elderly people, and persons with HIV infection or those undergoing chemotherapy, as their immune system is very weak.