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Are there McCain products which contain no gluten ingredients?
The Allergens section lists products that contain wheat, gluten ingredients or gluten-sourced ingredients.
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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 are happy to work with you to find a solution. Our Consumer Affairs department can assist you by telephone, email, or letter. Contact information can be found on the bag or our website.
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Can you send me coupons?
Although we value your interest in our products, we do not distribute coupons upon request. We 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 Club Spud via our website to receive emails containing information about our products, current contests, recipes, and more.
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I wish to suggest a business proposal to you? How do I go about doing that?
We do not accept business proposals, recipe ideas or marketing suggestions. We have a staff of Research & Development and Marketing individuals who develop these ideas in house.
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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.
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How can McCain products fit into a healthy diet?
Our transition to non-hydrogenated oil (NH Oil - Zero Grams Trans Fat Oil) means we are able to supply our customers with a product with significantly reduced trans fat. McCain products, when used within the USDA Food Pyramid guidelines, help to meet nutritional guidelines for healthy eating.
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Are the Nutrition Facts based on the potatoes before they are cooked or after?
The Nutrition Facts are based on the product in the frozen state before cooking.
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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 available about a specific product.
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What makes your retail product “All Natural”?
McCain’s “All Natural” potato products are made with 100% natural potatoes and do not contain artificial flavors or artificial colors.
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What is dextrose?
It is a natural sugar derived from corn that is added to replace the color depleted during the making of the French fries; it does not add any sweetness.
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Where does the caramel color come from?
The caramel color is derived from corn.
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What is annatto?
It is a red food coloring. It is most commonly used in the dairy industry to make cheese and butter varying shades of yellow. It does not contain MILK allergens.
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What is modified potato starch?
Modified starch is one that is physically changed from its original form. Modifying a starch can most readily be seen in instant pudding mixes which allows it to thicken without cooking.
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What is calcium lactate?
It is a mineral; it is not derived from milk or dairy.
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What is “highly refined” soybean oil?
The FDA has determined that the soybean protein, which can elicit an allergic response, is significantly reduced in the refining process.
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I’m allergic to soy and McCain is using Soy Oil, will I have an allergic reaction?
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.
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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.
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Can I cook my product in the microwave?
Consumers should follow the cooking instructions on the bag. For most of our products, the packaging does not list the microwave as an acceptable method for cooking. 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.
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Certain McCain products recommend using a dark baking sheet. Is that really necessary?
Yes, all McCain products should be baked using a dark baking sheet.
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Are your frozen French fries already fried?
Yes, some of our products are par fried in vegetable oil. Par frying is a hot, fast, frying method that prepares the product for the cooking instructions as noted on the package. All of our products require additional preparation/cooking prior to eating; they are not considered Ready to Eat.
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Are your frozen potatoes pre-cooked?
No, none of our products are pre-cooked. While some products are blanched or par-fried during manufacturing, this step does not cook the product. All of our products require additional preparation/cooking prior to eating; they are not considered Ready to Eat.
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How do I close the bag once opened?
Tightly securing the open end with a rubber band or “chip clip” works nicely.
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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.