Recalled Corn Dogs 2025: Complete Safety and Consumer Guide

The 2025 corn dog recall is one of the most substantial and alarming food safety events of the year, affecting millions of pounds of popular frozen products nationwide. This massive action by the Hillshire Brands Company, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), has drawn immediate public attention and serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present seriousness of food contamination risks.

At the heart of this recall is the danger of extraneous material contamination, specifically pieces of wood, found embedded within the corn dog batter. This is not a typical contamination concern like a bacterial outbreak, but a physical hazard that poses an immediate risk of injury to consumers. The sheer scale—encompassing approximately 58 million pounds of product—and the fact that multiple consumer injuries have already been reported, have pushed this incident to the forefront of national headlines, severely impacting consumer trust in these household brands.

This comprehensive food recall safety guide provides all the essential information you need. We will offer a clear breakdown of why the recall occurred, the specific recalled corn dogs brands and batches affected, the associated health risks, and, most importantly, the practical, step-by-step actions consumers must take to protect themselves and their families, including how to secure refunds for recalled corn dogs. Your safety is the top priority, and staying informed is the first line of defense.

Why Were Corn Dogs Recalled in 2025?

The monumental corn dog recall 2025 was initiated due to a serious physical contamination issue. The problem was the presence of extraneous material, specifically small pieces of wood, found embedded in the batter of both corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products.

The Source of the Contamination

The Hillshire Brands Company voluntarily initiated the recall after receiving multiple consumer complaints. An internal investigation traced the problem to the production process at a single facility in Haltom City, Texas, bearing establishment numbers "EST-582" or "P-894." It was determined that the wooden sticks, which are a core component of the "on-a-stick" products, were inadvertently breaking and contaminating the product batter before the final cooking and packaging stages.

Discovery and Regulatory Action

The contamination was not discovered through a routine inspection but directly from consumer complaints—a critical alarm bell in the food safety system. In a subsequent public health alert, the FSIS emphasized the severity of the situation, particularly noting that five complaints involved confirmed consumer injuries. The immediate danger posed by the presence of hard, sharp foreign objects prompted the rapid recall to prevent further harm. This demonstrates the swift, coordinated action between a major food producer and the USDA to manage a Class I recall, which is reserved for situations where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

Which Brands and Batches Are Affected by the Recall?

The recalled corn dogs brands and products span several well-known lines under the Hillshire Brands Company umbrella, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods. It is crucial for consumers to check their freezers and carefully examine product packaging.

Core Affected Brands and Products:

The recall primarily impacts products sold under two major brand names, in addition to some unbranded food service items:

• State Fair Corn Dogs: Various types are affected, including “State Fair Corn Dogs on a Stick,” “State Fair Turkey Corn Dogs,” and “State Fair Beef Hot Dogs Wrapped in a Honey Sweetened Batter.”

• Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick: This recall also extends to these popular breakfast products, including original, cinnamon French toast, and blueberry varieties.

• Unbranded Food Service Products: Certain “Batter Wrapped Franks on a Stick” shipped in bulk to institutions are also included.

Identifying Recalled Batches

To determine if your product is affected, check the following identifying markers on the packaging:

1. Establishment Number: Look for the numbers “EST-582” or “P-894” printed inside the USDA mark of inspection or on the product packaging. If you see either of these numbers, the product is from the affected facility.

2. Packaging Dates: The recalled products were packaged between March 17, 2025, and September 26, 2025. Consumers should reference the “Use By/Sell By” dates on the packaging. Affected products have “Use By/Sell By” dates extending into late 2025 and 2026. A comprehensive list of all affected dates should be referenced on the official FSIS recall notice or the company's website.

Distribution and Retail Reach

The recall is essentially nationwide. The products were shipped:

• To Retailers: Sold online and in brick-and-mortar retail locations across the entire country, including major supermarket chains and regional grocers.

• To Food Service: Distributed to general food service locations.

• To Institutions: Sold to school districts and Department of Defense facilities nationwide. (Note: FSIS confirmed the school distribution resulted from commercial sales, not the USDA National School Lunch Program.)

Consumer Action: Do not rely only on the brand name. The critical step is to check the establishment number and packaging dates. If the numbers match, the product is unsafe.

What Health Risks Are Linked to the Recalled Corn Dogs?

Unlike recalls for bacterial contamination (like Salmonella or Listeria), the primary health concern with this recalled corn dogs brands contamination is a physical hazard, specifically related to the presence of wood pieces.

Immediate and Severe Health Concerns

The health risks associated with foreign object contamination are immediate and can be severe:

• Choking Hazard: Small, hard pieces of wood pose a significant choking risk, particularly for children, who are the primary consumers of these on-a-stick products.

• Oral and Gastrointestinal Injury: The presence of sharp or pointed wood fragments can cause injuries in the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, or intestines. These can range from minor cuts to severe internal lacerations or perforations, which require immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening.

• Aspiration: If fragments are inhaled, they can cause lung injury or infection.

Symptoms to Watch For

Consumers who may have inadvertently eaten the recalled products should monitor for the following symptoms, which could indicate an internal injury:

• Oral/Throat Symptoms: Sudden, severe pain while chewing or swallowing, persistent sore throat, or bleeding from the mouth.

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Persistent abdominal pain, vomiting (especially if blood is present), unusual stool color (such as black or bloody stool), or fever that cannot be otherwise explained.

• Choking/Respiratory Distress: Difficulty breathing, coughing, or persistent wheezing after eating.

If you suspect you or a family member has consumed an affected product and are experiencing any of these severe symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

How Can Consumers Get Refunds or Replacement Products?

Securing a refund or replacement for unsafe food is a right all consumers hold during a food recall. The process is generally straightforward and managed by the company in cooperation with retailers.

Official Instructions from Hillshire Brands/FSIS

The official guidance from the FSIS and Hillshire Brands (Tyson Foods) urges consumers to take one of two actions with the recalled product:

1. Throw it Away: The safest and most recommended action is to immediately discard the product by securely placing it in a trash receptacle where it cannot be consumed by people or pets.

2. Return to Place of Purchase: Consumers can return the product to the store where it was bought for a full refund.

The Refund/Replacement Process

• Retail Store Return: In most cases, the easiest route for a refund for recalled corn dogs is returning the packaging (or the product itself, if frozen) to the retailer. Most national supermarket chains are prepared to process these returns without question.

• Contact Customer Service: If you purchased the product through an online retailer, food delivery service, or if the store refuses the return, you should contact The Hillshire Brands Company directly.

  • Customer Care Contact: Christina Self, Associate Director of Customer Care, at 888-747-7611.

  • What to Prepare: Have the product packaging, including the brand name, product name, establishment number (“EST-582” or “P-894”), and the “Use By/Sell By” date, ready when you call. This information is essential for validating your claim.

Consumer Rights Highlight: During a food recall, your right to a full refund is protected. Do not accept a denial from a retailer if you have a product matching the recall criteria. If issues persist, you can escalate the matter through the USDA/FSIS complaint system.

What Steps Should Shoppers Take To Stay Safe After the Recall?

Consumer vigilance is the final, and most important, defense against foodborne dangers. Taking decisive action now is essential to ensuring your family’s safety.

Practical Tips for Immediate Safety

1. Check Freezers and Discard: Immediately inspect all frozen food items. Locate any State Fair or Jimmy Dean brand corn dogs or sausage-on-a-stick products. Verify the establishment number and packaging dates against the official recall list. If a product matches the recall criteria, do not consume it. Do not open or cook it. Double-bag the product and discard it or keep the packaging for a refund.

2. Sanitize Storage Areas: Since the contamination is physical and contained within the batter, bacterial risk is low. However, it is a good practice to clean and sanitize any shelves or freezer areas that were in direct contact with the recalled product packaging. Use a solution of one tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water to sanitize all surfaces.

3. Stay Updated: Proactively monitor official sources for updates.

• FSIS Alerts: Check the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website regularly for the latest announcements, including Retail Distribution Lists that may specify where the products were sold.

• Brand Communication: Check the official social media accounts or corporate websites for Tyson Foods/Hillshire Brands.

1. Suggest Safe Alternatives and Double-Check Labels: For parents who need a quick replacement, look for corn dog brands not included in the recall. Always make a habit of double-checking the product label and the USDA mark of inspection (for meat and poultry products) before placing items in your cart.

Consumer Tip Box: How to Sign Up for Food Safety Alerts

The best way to stay ahead of food recalls is to receive alerts directly:

FAQ Section

Is this recall nationwide?Yes. The products were shipped to retail and food service locations across the United States, including schools and Department of Defense facilities. You must check your specific product details regardless of your location.

How long do food recalls last?The initial announcement is immediate. However, the period during which products are actively removed from the market and the consumer safety alert remains highly relevant can last weeks to months. The company and FSIS will eventually issue a “recall termination” notice once they are confident all reasonable efforts to remove the product have been successful.

Can recalled products be returned without receipts?Many major retailers will process returns for recalled items without a receipt, especially for large, high-profile recalls where the risk to public health is clear. If a retailer declines, keep the product packaging and contact Hillshire Brands Customer Care for assistance with your refund.

Conclusion

The massive corn dog recall 2025 is a serious public safety event that underscores a fundamental truth about our food supply chain: consumer vigilance is paramount. With approximately 58 million pounds of contaminated product distributed across the nation, taking the time to check your freezer, verify the establishment numbers ("EST-582" or "P-894"), and discard any affected recalled corn dogs brands is a necessary and non-negotiable step.

The fact that this recall stemmed from a physical contamination with injuries already reported should serve as a wake-up call. We encourage every shopper to become a proactive safety inspector in their own home. By utilizing the official resources from the FSIS and the company, knowing your rights to a refund for recalled corn dogs, and sharing this crucial information with friends and family, you help reinforce the food safety network that protects us all. Stay informed, stay safe.