Hillshire Brands, under the umbrella of Tyson Foods, has issued a recall for approximately 58 million pounds of their corn dogs and “sausage on a stick” products. This action follows reports of possible wood contamination in the batter, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The recall originated after consumer complaints, with at least five individuals reporting injuries due to the contamination. An internal investigation revealed that wooden sticks inadvertently entered the production process during the battering stage, leading to the presence of wood fragments in the final product.
The FSIS has expressed concerns that these products could still be present in consumers’ homes, as well as in school and institutional kitchens. The affected items include State Fair Corn Dogs on a Stick and Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick, which were produced between March 17 and September 26 at a facility in Haltom City, Texas.
These products have been distributed widely, both online and in physical retail stores across the United States. They were also supplied to various institutions, including school districts and Department of Defense facilities.
Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for these products and discard them if found. This recall highlights the importance of stringent quality control measures in the food production process to ensure consumer safety. While the decision to recall such a large quantity of product is significant, it underscores the company’s commitment to addressing potential health risks proactively and maintaining trust with their customers.