Hillshire Brands Recalls 58 Million Pounds of Corn Dogs and Sausage-on-a-Stick Products
A nationwide recall impacts millions as Hillshire Brands pulls corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products due to possible wood contamination.
Hillshire Brands Issues Nationwide Recall of Corn Dogs and Sausage-on-a-Stick Products
Hillshire Brands Company has announced a massive recall of approximately 58 million pounds of their popular corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products after discovering potential contamination with wood fragments embedded in the batter. The recall, initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), extends across the United States and impacts a wide range of consumers, schools, institutions, and food service providers.
Overview of the Recall
- Date Announced: September 27, 2025
- Products Recalled: Corn Dogs, Sausage-on-a-Stick, Pancake & Sausage-on-a-Stick (select State Fair, Jimmy Dean, and unbranded products)
- Potential Hazard: Wood fragments embedded in product batter
- Production Dates: March 17, 2025 – September 26, 2025
- Affected Facilities: Haltom City facility, Texas (Establishment numbers EST-582, P-894, EST. 47991)
- Distribution: Nationwide (including retailers, food service, schools, Department of Defense facilities)
- Reported Injuries: Five consumer injury reports, none life-threatening, as of the announcement date
Background and Cause of the Recall
The issue was first brought to attention after multiple consumer complaints reported finding wood pieces in the batter of corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products. An internal investigation by Hillshire Brands identified that wooden sticks had inadvertently entered the production process before the products were battered, leading to the risk of contamination. Upon confirmation, the FSIS and Hillshire Brands opted for an abundance of caution and proceeded with a voluntary nationwide recall.
The contamination mainly stemmed from a single facility in Haltom City, Texas, and no other locations or products are affected outside of the specified batch numbers and dates.
Products Affected by the Hillshire Recall
The recall encompasses a wide variety of corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products, both branded and unbranded, that may be found under popular names or supplied for institutional use. All such recalled products have specific establishment numbers within the USDA mark of inspection.
| Brand | Product Type | Packaging Size/Type | Use By Dates | Establishment Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Fair | Corn Dogs (Classic, Turkey, Beef, Fiesta, Whole Grain, etc.) | 6–12 lb cases, 36–48 count | Dec. 12, 2025 – Sept. 19, 2026 (varies) | EST-582, P-894 |
| Jimmy Dean | Pancake & Sausage on a Stick (Original, Blueberry, Turkey, Cinnamon French Toast) | Various sizes (30 oz, 7.5 lb, 9.41 lb, 15 lb, 28.125 lb, 4.687 lb, 6.27 lb) | Nov. 12, 2025 – May 31, 2026 (varies) | EST-582, P-894 |
| Unbranded Food Service | Batter Wrapped Franks on a Stick (Turkey, Chicken, Pork, Beef added) | 2.67 oz franks, 6 lb case | Dec. 13, 2025 – May 23, 2026 (varies) | EST-582, P-894 |
How to Identify Recalled Products
- Check the USDA inspection mark on product packaging for numbers EST-582, P-894, or EST. 47991.
- Products will have use by dates ranging primarily from December 2025 to September 2026, depending on the variety.
- Refer to product labels and the official FSIS recall announcement for a comprehensive list of affected items.
What Consumers Should Do
If you have purchased any of the affected Hillshire Brands products, it is critical to follow these safety instructions:
- Do NOT consume any recalled products. Even a small fragment of wood can pose choking or injury hazards.
- Check all household and institutional freezers for the products in question. This includes food pantries, school facilities, cafeterias, and military supply locations.
- Safely discard the products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers where recalled products were stored to prevent cross-contamination.
The FSIS is conducting recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalled items are removed from commerce and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Consumer Support and Further Information
- Hillshire Brands Customer Care: 1-888-747-7611
- USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-674-6854
- Hillshire Brands comments suggest no additional injuries have been reported beyond the five initially logged.
- Legal action is not currently underway, but the incident is being monitored by consumer protection groups.
Potential Health Risks from Contaminated Products
Consuming food contaminated with wood fragments can present several health risks, including:
- Choking hazard, particularly in young children and elderly individuals
- Oral injury such as cuts, punctures, or lacerations in the mouth and throat
- Digestive tract injury if wood fragments are swallowed
Out of an abundance of caution, both the USDA and Hillshire Brands have emphasized immediate removal of all affected products from circulation and home use.
Hillshire Brands’ Response and Ongoing Actions
Upon discovering the source of the contamination, Hillshire Brands took swift action in cooperation with regulators to:
- Notify retail and institutional customers nationwide of the recall
- Work closely with the FSIS for public outreach and recall effectiveness monitoring
- Conduct a thorough internal investigation to enhance production controls and prevent recurrence
- Provide clear, public contact points for consumer queries and incident reporting
Hillshire Brands has reassured consumers that no other State Fair or Jimmy Dean branded products outside those specifically listed are affected by this recall. Only products manufactured in the Haltom City facility (Est. numbers EST-582 and P-894) during the specified time are implicated.
Widespread Impact and Response
Due to the popularity and broad distribution of State Fair and Jimmy Dean products, this recall affects a substantial number of households, food service locations, and institutions. Some schools and Department of Defense facilities may have also received these items. The company and the USDA urge all organizations to review inventory, notify staff and consumers, and safely dispose of the recalled items.
Recall Effectiveness Checks
- The FSIS is actively conducting checks to ensure the recalled products are no longer offered in retail markets or institutional food service settings.
- Hillshire Brands is tracking disposal rates and working with distributors to ensure full compliance.
Consumer Feedback and Community Response
The situation has garnered significant attention in consumer forums and online comment sections. Many consumers have expressed frustration or concern, with some indicating they recently purchased or consumed recalled products. Others have asked to be added to watchlists for potential future class-action lawsuits should more injuries come to light.
Tips for Preventing Issues with Food Recalls
- Regularly monitor trusted food safety sources, such as the USDA FSIS alerts page, for timely recall news.
- Register food purchases with manufacturers or sign up for recall alerts at major grocery retailers.
- Keep proof of purchase (receipts, packaging) whenever possible to facilitate quick return or communication in event of a recall.
- Thoroughly inspect packaged foods before serving, especially to children or vulnerable individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which Hillshire Brands products have been recalled?
A: The recall includes State Fair Corn Dogs (all varieties), Jimmy Dean Pancake & Sausage on a Stick (Original, Blueberry, Turkey, Cinnamon French Toast), and unbranded food service batter-wrapped franks on a stick, all produced between March 17, 2025 and September 26, 2025 at the Haltom City, Texas facility (Est. numbers EST-582 and P-894).
Q: How do I know if I have recalled products?
A: Check your freezer for any corn dogs, sausage-on-a-stick, or pancake & sausage-on-a-stick products purchased after March 17, 2025. Inspect for establishment numbers EST-582, P-894, or EST. 47991 inside the USDA mark of inspection, and compare use-by dates to the affected range.
Q: What should I do if I find a recalled package at home?
A: Do not eat the product. Discard it immediately or return it to the store where purchased for a refund. Clean any surfaces in contact with the recalled item.
Q: Has anyone been seriously harmed by this contamination?
A: As of the recall date, five minor injuries have been reported, with no deaths or life-threatening situations. Consumers are encouraged to report any incidents to Hillshire Brands or the USDA hotline.
Q: Will there be legal action or compensation for affected consumers?
A: Legal proceedings had not been initiated as of the announcement. Consumer protection groups monitor the situation and may take further steps if additional injuries or damages are reported.
Latest Updates and Where to Get More Information
- Hillshire Brands and the USDA FSIS websites have been updated with complete lists of affected products and guidance for consumers.
- Additional food recalls and settlement updates are available on consumer advocacy websites and major media outlets.
- For ongoing updates, consumers can sign up for email alerts from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Related Food Recall News and Resources
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Consumer Vigilance Is Essential
The Hillshire Brands recall highlights the importance of vigilance in food safety for all consumers, retailers, and food service providers. Always check for recall alerts, inspect your food packaging, and stay informed through reputable sources. Should you suspect that you have purchased a recalled product, act promptly to ensure your safety and the safety of those you serve.
