Approximately 58 million pounds of corn dogs and similar sausage-on-a-stick products are being recalled across the United States due to potential contamination with pieces of wood embedded in the batter. This significant recall has been prompted by reports from consumers, with several individuals sustaining injuries.
The Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the notice on Saturday, indicating that the recall affects specific products including “State Fair Corn Dogs on a Stick” and “Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick.” These items are produced by Hillshire Brands, a Texas-based subsidiary of Tyson Foods.
The contamination issue came to light after Hillshire received multiple complaints from consumers. Out of these, five reports were linked to injuries, leading the company to investigate further. It was discovered that a limited number of these products contained extraneous pieces of wooden stick within the batter, prompting Tyson Foods to call for the recall as a precautionary measure.
The affected corn dogs and sausage products were manufactured between March 17 and as recently as Friday. Tyson Foods confirmed that the contamination was isolated to a single facility located in Haltom City, Texas.
FSIS has expressed concern that some of the recalled products may still be present in consumers’ refrigerators and freezers nationwide, potentially affecting households, schools, and various institutions. In addition to being sold online and through retailers, these products were distributed to school districts and Defense Department facilities.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled “State Fair Corn Dogs on a Stick” and “Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick” are advised to dispose of them or return them to their place of purchase. To identify which products are affected, consumers should check the product names, use-by dates, and other identifying information available on the FSIS and Tyson Foods websites. Recalled items should have the establishment numbers “EST-582” or “P-894” printed on their packaging.
It remains unclear if individuals who purchased these products will be eligible for refunds. The Associated Press has reached out to representatives of Hillshire Brands and Tyson Foods for further clarification regarding reimbursement processes.
Foreign object contamination is a prevalent cause of food recalls in the United States, often leading to products being pulled from shelves due to concerns over consumer safety. In addition to wood, recalls may arise from plastic, metal fragments, and other extraneous materials found in food items.
