McCain08

FAQ

• Are there McCain products which contain no added gluten ingredients?
• Yes, there are list of products on our Gluten Info page which you can reference for more details.
• Are McCain products not containing gluten ingredients produced on the same lines as products that contain gluten?
• McCain has strict policies and procedures in place to significantly reduce the likelihood of cross-contact of food allergens in our frozen potato products. Every production facility incorporates the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) program, in addition to Corporate Quality Assurance Procedures, to minimize the occurrence of food-sensitive reactions to our finished products. McCain also follows new legislation for food allergen labeling requirements. McCain Foods USA, Inc., is currently compliant with FDA allergen labeling regulation. Potential allergens are clearly identified within ingredient statements in consumer friendly wording.
• If I have a problem with the product, should I return it to the store?
• That is one option. If the store is unable to resolve the matter to your satisfaction, we’d be happy to work with you to see what can be done.  Our Consumer Affairs department can assist you by telephone, email, or letter.  Contact information can be found on the bag or our website. 
• Can you send me coupons?
• We appreciate your interest in our products; however, we do not distribute coupons upon request.  We do work with retail grocers to periodically run in-store sales or promotions on our products.  Please watch your grocer sale papers or store shelf for special pricing.   In addition, you may join our VIP (Very Important Potato) Club via our website to receive emails containing information about our products, current contests, recipes, and more.
• I wish to suggest a business proposal to you?  How do I go about doing that?
• Our Consumer Affairs office does not accept business proposals.  Our company also is not accepting recipe ideas or marketing suggestions.  We have a staff of Research & Development and Marketing individuals who develop these ideas in house. 
• What types of potatoes do you use for your products?
• At this time, our McCain Branded French Fries are made from a variety of potatoes: Shepody, Ranger Russet, and Russet Burbank. These are all white potatoes.  Most recently, we have added Sweet Potatoes.
• How can McCain products fit into a healthy diet?
• With our transition to non-hydrogenated oil (NH Oil - Zero Grams Trans Fat Oil) we have been able to supply to our customers a better for you product that significantly reduces the trans fat within our products.  McCain products, when used within the USDA Food Pyramid guidelines, help to meet nutritional guidelines for healthy eating.
• I am a school nurse/dietician, can you fax me the nutritional information for…?
• CN (Child Nutrition) Equivalency Sheets are available via www.McCain4Schools.com.  These sheets will provide you with all the nutritional information about the product for reimbursement of school meals.
• Where does the caramel color come from?
• The caramel color is derived from corn; it does not contain Gluten.
• What is annatto?
• It is a food coloring; it is red.  It is most commonly used in the dairy industry to make cheese and butter varying shades of yellow.  It does not contain MILK allergens.
• What is modified potato starch?
• Modified starch is chemically or physically changed from its original form.  Modifying a starch can most readily be seen in instant pudding mixes; allowing it to thicken without cooking.
• What does “highly refined” soybean oil mean?
• The proteins have been removed.  The FDA has found that the soybean protein, which elicits the allergic response, is significantly reduced in the refining process.
• I’m allergic to Soy and McCain is using Soy Oil, will I be harmed?
• A 2005 study completed by scientists at the University of Nebraska has found that soy-allergic people do not react to highly refined soybean oils like those found in McCain products (be specific) because highly refined soybean oil contains only minuscule amounts of protein. However, it is always important to read the entire ingredient label to determine if other sources of soy are present. Click Here For the Study
• Can I make my product in the microwave?
• Yes, however, we do not recommend this method.  The microwave does not brown/crisp.  In addition, due to varying wattage of microwaves, an exact cooking time is not available.  Microwaving too little can result in soggy/uncooked product and too long can result in dry/hard product.
• Do I really need a dark baking sheet?
• No, however, for best results (browning/crisping), a dark baking sheet is recommended.  There is no need to purchase a dark baking sheet; any well-used baking sheet should provide the needed darkness.
• Are your potatoes fried?
• Yes, some of our products are par fried in vegetable oil.  Par frying is a hot, fast, frying method (hot = oil temp. of 380° or above, fast = fried only 30 to 60 seconds).  All of our products require additional preparation/cooking prior to eating; they are not considered Ready to Eat.
• Are your potatoes pre-cooked?
• Yes, some are blanched and some are both blanched and par fried.  None are raw.  All of our products require additional preparation/cooking prior to eating; they are not considered Ready to Eat.
• How do I close the bag once opened?
• Tightly securing the open end with a rubber band or “chip clip” works nicely.
• Is it safe to use the product once it is thawed?
• We do not recommend using any of our McCain Potato products if it has been thawed.
• Do your products contain tree nuts or peanuts?
• We don’t manufacture products that contain ingredients sourced from tree nuts or peanuts, nor are these ingredients brought onto our production floors.