In a shocking nationwide recall, Hillshire Brands has announced it is pulling nearly 58 million pounds of popular corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products from shelves across the United States.
The move comes after multiple consumer complaints and injury reports revealed dangerous wood fragments embedded in the batter.
Federal inspectors confirmed the risk, and the company is urging consumers to check their freezers immediately.
This is one of the largest food recalls in recent years, raising major concerns about food safety, manufacturing practices, and consumer protection.
What Led To The Recall?
The recall was triggered when wood pieces were discovered inside the batter of various Hillshire products. According to reports, wooden sticks entered the production line before battering, allowing splinters to become lodged inside the corn dogs.
- Total recalled: About 58 million pounds of products.
- Packaging dates: Between March 17 and September 26, 2025.
- Brands affected: Jimmy Dean, State Fair, and unbranded food service products.
- Injury reports: At least five confirmed cases of consumers being hurt by the contamination.
- Distribution: Retail stores, schools, food service providers, and even Department of Defense facilities.
The company launched an internal investigation after the first complaints were received. While only a handful of injuries have been reported, the sheer volume of products involved makes this a serious public health concern.
Affected Products And Key Details
Here’s a quick reference table summarizing the recall details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Recalled | ~58 million pounds |
| Dates Produced | March 17 – September 26, 2025 |
| Brands Affected | Jimmy Dean, State Fair, unbranded food service |
| Establishment Codes | EST-582, P-894 |
| Reported Injuries | 5 confirmed cases |
| Distribution | Retail, schools, food service, DOD facilities |
| Recall Classification | Class I (High Risk) |
Some of the specific products include:
- Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick
- Jimmy Dean French Toast & Sausage on a Stick
- State Fair Classic Corn Dogs
- State Fair Turkey Corn Dogs
- State Fair Fiesta Corn Dogs
Why This Recall Is Serious
The recall highlights several serious risks:
- Consumer Safety: Wood splinters can cause cuts in the mouth, throat injuries, or internal damage if swallowed.
- Scale of Recall: With 58 million pounds recalled, this is not an isolated case — millions of consumers may have these products stored in their freezers.
- Institutional Risk: Because products were sold to schools and military facilities, many vulnerable groups, including children, could be affected.
- Industry Impact: Such a massive recall will likely cost the company millions of dollars and impact its reputation for years.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have purchased corn dog or sausage-on-a-stick products recently, here are the steps to take:
- Check the packaging for establishment codes EST-582 or P-894, and confirm the production dates.
- Do not eat the product if it matches the recall details.
- Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
- If you believe you were injured, seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact Hillshire Brands’ customer care line for questions about refunds or replacement.
Industry Lessons From The Recall
This case is a wake-up call for the entire food manufacturing sector. Companies must strengthen:
- Quality Control: More rigorous checks to prevent contamination.
- Production Oversight: Better monitoring of assembly lines to catch errors before products ship.
- Transparency: Quick reporting and consumer outreach when hazards are detected.
By improving these areas, the industry can help avoid future mass recalls and rebuild consumer trust.
The Hillshire Brands recall of 58 million pounds of corn dogs is one of the most significant food safety events in recent memory.
With five injury reports, massive nationwide distribution, and the potential for products still sitting in freezers, this incident shows just how critical food safety protocols are to protecting public health.
Consumers must act quickly — check your freezers, discard any recalled items, and spread the word.
This event will likely remain a landmark case in food safety history, serving as a reminder of the importance of vigilance at every stage of the food supply chain.
FAQs
How do I know if my corn dogs are part of the recall?
Look for packaging codes EST-582 or P-894 and dates between March 17 – September 26, 2025. If they match, do not eat them.
Can I get a refund for recalled products?
Yes. Most retailers will offer refunds or exchanges, and Hillshire Brands’ customer service can also provide guidance.
Are all Jimmy Dean and State Fair products recalled?
No. Only specific corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products produced within the recall window are affected. Other items are safe.
