If you’ve got corn dogs in your freezer, it’s time to double-check the label.
On September 27, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a massive recall of approximately 58 million pounds of corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products made by The Hillshire Brands Company. The reason? Reports of wood fragments embedded in the batter.
The issue came to light after Hillshire received multiple consumer complaints, including five cases involving injuries. An investigation revealed that wooden sticks had entered the battering process, leading to potential contamination.
What Brands Are Affected?
The recalled items were packaged between March 17 and September 26 and include products from:
- Jimmy Dean
- State Fair
- An unbranded food label
Look for the establishment numbers “EST-582” or “P-894” on the packaging. A full list of affected products and labels is available via the FSIS website.
These corn dogs were distributed nationwide – sold online, in retail stores, and through food service channels. Some were also sent to schools and Department of Defense facilities, though they were not part of the USDA’s National School Lunch Program.
This Isn’t the First Time
Food recalls like this happen more often than most people realize. In fact, foreign object contamination, things like plastic, metal, or wood, is one of the most common reasons meat and poultry products get pulled from shelves.
Earlier this year, another major meat company recalled over 80,000 pounds of chicken because it contained pieces of plastic. The takeaway? Even trusted brands aren’t immune.
What You Should Do
- Don’t eat them.
- Throw them away or return them to the store.
- Contact a health provider if you believe you’ve been injured.
Have Questions?
- Contact Hillshire Brands: 888-747-7611
- USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline: 888-674-6854
- File a complaint online: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem
Stay safe – and maybe read the label before your next corn dog craving!