October 1st, 2025 (Chicago, IL) – Texas-based Hillshire Brands Company has recalled over 58 million pounds of corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products, including popular brands like Jimmy Dean and State Fair. The corn dogs recalled may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically wood fragments embedded in the batter.
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This Hillshire Brands recall was spurred by an influx of complaints of foreign material inside the battered products, with five reported injuries to date. An investigation by Hillshire Brands revealed that the wooden sticks used to impale these products somehow entered the production process prior to battering.
What Products Are Affected by the Corn Dog Recall?
The products affected by the Hillshire Brands recall bear the establishment number “EST-582” or “P-894” on the packaging. They were sold online and shipped to retail and food service locations nationwide. They were also distributed to school districts and department of defense facilities. Most of the corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products are Jimmy Dean or State Fair brand, while others are unbranded. The contaminated products were packaged between March 17th and September 26th, 2025. A full list of affected products can be found here, and a list of labels for the impacted products is available here.
What Should I Do if I Have an Affected Product in My Freezer?
If you have a product that was affected by the corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick recall, it is recommended that you throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase. Do not consumer it, and do not give these products to other people or pets. The wood fragments in the batter could lead to serious injuries or choking.
The Dangers of Foreign Material in Food
Foreign materials in food, like the wood bits found in the batter of the recalled corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products, can cause a myriad of problems for consumers who unknowingly bite down into a contaminated product. Injuries such as splinters, lacerations, puncture wounds, scrapes, dental damage, and cuts can occur, along with the risk of choking or punctures to the digestive tract. Additionally, wood can be a microbiological hazard. It is a porous material, with the ability to absorb and harbor moisture that can promote the growth of pathogenic bacteria and provide them a place to thrive. This can make a person very sick.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Contaminated Food Products?
There are several parties that can be held liable for injuries caused by contaminated food. Who to hold liable depends entirely upon the circumstances surrounding the case. For instance, in the case of the wood in the corn dog batter, the manufacturer could be held liable for injuries due to the negligence that led to the wood winding up in the batter in the first place. Liability is not reserved for the manufacturer in every case, however, and in some instances, you may find yourself holding distributors, handlers, food prep workers, cooks, or even retailers liable for the contamination of the food if said contamination happened at some other point along the chain rather than at the manufacturing level.
What Damages Can I Claim from Contaminated Food Injuries?
You can claim damages such as economic damages, non-economic damages, and in rare cases, punitive damages for injuries suffered from contaminated food products. The exact damages you qualify for depends on your specific circumstances, so it is best to consult an attorney to determine what you qualify for. Typically, the damages available in a product liability claim include:
- Economic Damages: Also called special damages, these damages include lost wages, medical bills, and lost earning potential.
- Non-Economic Damages: Also called general damages, these damages include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, PTSD, and loss of companionship.
- Punitive Damages: These damages are only awarded if the liable party’s actions were found to be particularly negligent, and are considered a rarer damage to obtain.
What Should I Do if I Was Injured by a Contaminated Food Product?
If you were injured by a contaminated food product, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. This ensures that your health needs are addressed, and your condition is stabilized. It also creates a record of your injury and attributes it to the product in question.
Next, report the incident to the company itself, or the FSIS. Reporting your injury creates an official record of what happened, what product injured you, and how you were injured. This is important, because it strengthens your case should you file a claim, and ensures that other people are alerted to the unreasonably dangerous product. This helps prevent others from getting injured or sick.
You should consult with a product liability attorney as soon as you are able. An attorney can help determine whether you have a case, what course of action to take, and can represent you in court if reasonable compensation cannot be negotiated with the liable party.
Contact Ankin Law Today
If you or a loved one was injured by the recalled corn dogs, you have options. At Ankin Law, we have what it takes to take on negligent manufacturers and hold them accountable for your injuries. When you work with us, you can expect
- 24/7 legal support
- Free consultation
- No legal fees unless we collect for you
- Personalized and experienced representation
Protecting your rights is our priority. We will fight to ensure you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries while making sure your best interests are represented. Let us handle the technical stuff for you so you can focus on recovering from your injury. Get the help you need. Call Ankin Law today at 312-600-0000.
