Approximately 58 million pounds of corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products are under recall due to potential contamination with “extraneous material,” specifically pieces of wood embedded in the batter. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) made the announcement on September 27 regarding the recall initiated by The Hillshire Brands Company.
The issue came to light after Hillshire received several consumer complaints about wooden pieces in the corn dog batter, with five of those complaints reportedly involving injuries. Following an investigation, it was determined that wooden sticks had inadvertently entered the production line prior to the battering process.
As of now, the FSIS has not received any further reports of injuries linked to the consumption of these products. However, officials advise anyone who is concerned about possible injuries to reach out to a healthcare provider.
The recall affects corn dog and sausage on a stick products packaged between March 17 and September 26, encompassing various brands including Jimmy Dean, State Fair, and an unbranded label. Consumers can identify affected products by looking for the establishment numbers “EST-582” or “P-894” on the packaging. A comprehensive document listing these products and their respective labels is available for reference.
These products were sold online and distributed to various retail and food service locations across the country. Additionally, affected items were supplied to school districts and Department of Defense facilities nationwide, although it is important to note that these distributions were separate from the USDA’s National School Lunch Program.
For consumers who may have purchased any of the recalled items, the FSIS recommends discarding them. Individuals, including schools and other institutions, are advised against consuming these products and should either dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase.
For further inquiries regarding the recall, consumers can contact Christina Self, the associate director of customer care at The Hillshire Brands Company, at 888-747-7611. Additionally, those with general food safety questions can reach the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline toll-free at 888-674-6854 or via email at MPHotline@usda.gov. If there are any reports to be made concerning meat, poultry, or egg products, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System is available for use 24/7.
