State Fair corn dogs, Jimmy Dean sausage-on-a-stick products recalled due to possible wood pieces in batter

A staggering 58 million pounds of corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products are being recalled nationwide due to a potential contamination issue involving pieces of wood in the batter. Several consumers have reported injuries as a result of this issue.

The recall, as detailed in a notice published by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the Agriculture Department, pertains to select State Fair corn dogs and Jimmy Dean “Pancakes & Sausage On a Stick” and “French Toast & Sausage On a Stick” products manufactured by Hillshire Brands, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods based in Texas.

The problem came to light after Hillshire received multiple consumer complaints, with five reported injuries. Upon investigation, the company found that a “limited number” of products contained wooden stick fragments in the batter, prompting a voluntary recall as a precautionary measure, according to Tyson’s corresponding announcement.

The affected corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products were produced between March 17 and recently. Tyson confirmed that the issue was isolated to a single facility in Haltom City, Texas.

FSIS has expressed concerns that the recalled items may be in consumers’ homes, schools, and other institutions across the country. In addition to being available online and in retail stores nationwide, these products were also distributed to school districts and Defense Department facilities.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are advised to either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.

To identify the affected corn dogs and sausage products, consumers should check for the product name, use-by dates, and other identifying information provided by FSIS and Tyson. The recalled items should bear an establishment number of “EST-582” or “P-894” on the packaging.

It remains uncertain if consumers will be eligible for refunds on the recalled products. For inquiries regarding the recall, consumers can contact Christina Self, The Hillshire Brands Company Associate Director of Customer Care, at 888-747-7611.

Foreign object contamination, such as wood, is a common cause of food recalls in the U.S. In addition to wood, other foreign materials like plastic, metal fragments, and insects have led to recalls of various packaged goods.