Hillshire Brands Company Public Health Alert: Corn Dog and Sausage on a Stick Products Contaminated with Extraneous Material

Hillshire Brands public health alert: quick summary

The Hillshire Brands Company has issued a public health alert for about 58 million pounds of corn dog and sausage on a stick products due to possible contamination with wood pieces. Packaged between March 17 and September 26, 2025, these items were distributed nationwide to retail stores, food service locations, school districts, and Department of Defense facilities. The issue was discovered after multiple consumer complaints, including five injuries. Consumers, schools, and institutions are urged not to consume the products and to dispose of or return them. Affected items carry establishment numbers EST-582 or P-894 on the packaging.

What happened?

The Hillshire Brands Company issued a public health alert for its corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products after receiving multiple consumer complaints, including five that involved injuries. The investigation revealed that wooden pieces had entered the production process before battering. Affected products were packaged between March 17 and September 26, 2025, and sold online, to retail stores, food service locations, school districts, and Department of Defense facilities nationwide.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue	Affected States/Zones
Hillshire Brands	Corn Dog	Varies	See product list	See product list	Wood fragments	Nationwide
Hillshire Brands	Sausage on a Stick	Varies	See product list	See product list	Wood fragments	Nationwide

What caused the issue?

• Type of issue: Extraneous material (wood pieces)
• Health risks: Possible injury if swallowed or bitten
• Groups affected: All consumers, especially children and older adults, who may be more vulnerable to choking or injury
• Symptoms: Oral or throat injury, discomfort, choking hazard
• Victims confirmed: Five reported injuries

Questions you might have

1. Can I still eat these products?
   No, do not consume; discard or return to the place of purchase.
2. Where can I find the establishment number?
   EST-582 or P-894 printed on the packaging.
3. How do I know if my product is affected?
   Check packaging dates and UPCs against the FSIS product list.
4. Are school meals affected?
   Products distributed to schools were commercial sales, not part of USDA school programs.
5. Who should I contact for more information?
   Hillshire Brands Customer Care at 888-747-7611.
6. Are frozen products safe?
   No, they could still contain wood fragments.
7. Can I return products to stores?
   Yes, retailers will accept returned products.
8. What should I do if my child is injured?
   Contact a healthcare provider immediately.
9. Where can I report additional concerns?
   FSIS online complaint system: eCCF.
10. Has FSIS received other reports?
    No additional injuries reported beyond the five confirmed cases.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume affected corn dog or sausage on a stick products.
• Check the label for establishment numbers EST-582 or P-894.
• Identify the product using packaging dates and UPC codes.
• Contact: Christina Self, The Hillshire Brands Company, 888-747-7611 for assistance or return instructions.

Behind the brand

The Hillshire Brands Company, headquartered in Haltom City, TX, specializes in fully cooked meat products distributed nationwide. Their commitment to quality includes investigations and public health alerts when potential contamination occurs.

Other relevant public health alerts

• Marketside public health alert: ready-to-eat linguine with beef meatballs & marinara may contain Listeria
• Trader Joe’s Issues public health alert for turkey gobbler wrap due to Listeria risk
• Schnucks Tortellini USDA public health alert: Undeclared allergens found in misbranded pasta
• FSIS issued a public health alert for prep chef products over undeclared allergens
• Trader Joe’s issues public health alert for Turkey Gobbler Wrap due to Listeria risk
• Trader Joe’s public health alert: Frozen pepperoni pizza flunks import reinspection

“Food safety is paramount, and timely action during public health alerts ensures consumer trust and supply chain integrity.” – Eran Mizrahi, CEO Source86

Ensuring safe eats

Public health alerts like this highlight the importance of strict quality control in the food industry. Companies must implement rigorous checks to prevent contamination and protect consumers. Consumers should promptly follow alert instructions to avoid injuries. For businesses, maintaining food safety and supply chain excellence is critical.

Source86 offers bulk ingredients and private label services with an emphasis on food safety and supply chain excellence. Contact us to ensure your ingredients meet the highest safety standards.

FAQs

Q1: Are all Hillshire Brands corn dog products affected?
A: Only those listed in the FSIS product list with EST-582 or P-894.

Q2: What should I do if I find a product at home?
A: Do not consume; discard or return to the retailer.

Q3: How can I get updates on future alerts?
A: Subscribe to FSIS alerts at USDA FSIS.