60 million pounds of corn dogs recalled due to wood contamination in batter.

The Hillshire Brands Company has initiated a substantial recall of approximately 58 million pounds of corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products due to concerns that certain items may contain foreign materials, specifically pieces of wood embedded in the batter. The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Saturday, detailing that the recall affects products packaged between March 17 and the date of the recall announcement.

Tyson Foods, the parent company of Hillshire, clarified in a statement that specific items under scrutiny include State Fair Corn Dogs on a Stick and Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick. The company indicated that a limited number of products were found to have extraneous wooden pieces, prompting the voluntary recall as a precautionary measure.

The potentially contaminated items have been widely distributed, sold online, and shipped to various retailers and vendors nationwide, impacting school districts and Department of Defense facilities as well. The FSIS expressed particular concern that some of these products may still be stored in household refrigerators and freezers, urging individuals and institutions that serve Hillshire Brands’ corn and sausage items to carefully inspect their inventories for the affected products.

The recall was triggered by several consumer complaints, including reports of five unspecified injuries, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Investigations revealed that the wooden materials inadvertently entered the production process prior to the battering phase, raising serious safety concerns.

In addition to the recalled products, Tyson Foods oversees a portfolio of popular brands, including Ball Park, Sara Lee, and Bosco’s. It is noteworthy that these other brands are not associated with the current recall, which is confined to specific corn dog and sausage items from Hillshire.

The FSIS continues to monitor the situation closely and encourages consumers to take immediate action if they suspect they possess any of the recalled products. As the industry grapples with food safety, this incident underscores the importance of rigorous quality control measures throughout food manufacturing processes to prevent contamination and ensure consumer safety. For more information, stakeholders can refer to the official FSIS recall notice or check with retailers for further guidance.

Media News Source