# Urgent Recall Alert: 58 Million Pounds of Hillshire Corn Dogs Pulled from Shelves
A massive food safety alert has been issued nationwide, impacting a freezer staple found in millions of American homes. Tyson Foods, the parent company of Hillshire Brands, has announced a recall of approximately 58 million pounds of corn dogs due to potential contamination with foreign materials. This urgent action follows several consumer complaints, including reports of minor oral injuries. The news that **Hillshire Brands corn dogs recalled** is a significant concern for families who rely on these products for quick and easy meals.
This recall is one of the largest in recent memory, affecting multiple product lines sold under well-known brand names. If you have any corn dogs in your freezer, it is crucial to pay close attention to the details of this announcement. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know: which products are affected, how to identify them, what to do if you have them, and the serious risks associated with the contamination.
## What Prompted This Massive Corn Dog Recall?
Food recalls are initiated for various reasons, but this one is particularly alarming due to the nature of the contaminant and the reported injuries. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was alerted after consumers discovered foreign objects inside the corn dogs.
### The Danger: Metal Fragments in Food
The primary reason for this extensive recall is the potential presence of small metal fragments within the corn dog products. According to the official FSIS notice, the agency received multiple complaints from consumers who found pieces of metal in their food. This type of contamination poses a significant health risk and can lead to a range of injuries, including:
* **Cuts and Lacerations:** Sharp metal pieces can cause cuts to the mouth, tongue, gums, and throat.
* **Choking Hazard:** Larger fragments can become lodged in the throat, posing a serious choking risk, especially for children.
* **Dental Damage:** Biting down on a metal object can easily chip or break teeth.
* **Internal Injury:** If swallowed, sharp metal pieces can cause damage to the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
The FSIS has classified this as a Class I recall, which is the most serious category. A Class I recall indicates a “health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.”
### From Consumer Complaints to Nationwide Action
This recall wasn’t a proactive measure by the company but a direct response to consumer reports. The process began when individuals contacted Tyson Foods after discovering the foreign material. These initial complaints, which included reports of minor oral injuries, triggered an internal investigation. Upon confirming the potential for widespread contamination, the company notified the FSIS, leading to the public health alert and the nationwide recall of all potentially affected products. The sheer scale—58 million pounds—highlights the severity of the issue within the production facility.
## How to Identify the Recalled Hillshire Corn Dogs in Your Freezer
With millions of pounds of product involved, it is essential to carefully check any corn dogs you may have purchased. The recall is not limited to just one specific type but covers a range of products produced on certain dates. Here’s how to determine if your product is part of the recall.
### Check the Product Names and Brands
The recall includes several popular brands under the Hillshire Brands and Tyson Foods umbrella. Be sure to look for the following products:
* **Hillshire Farm Corn Dogs**
* **State Fair Corn Dogs** (a popular brand owned by Tyson)
* **Generic or store-brand corn dogs** produced by this facility for various retailers.
Because the contamination occurred at a specific production facility, a wide variety of corn dog products could be affected. The most reliable way to identify a recalled item is by checking the packaging for specific codes.
### Look for Specific “Best By” Dates and Lot Codes
The affected corn dogs were produced over a specific period. On the product packaging, locate the “Best By” date and the lot code, which are usually printed together. The recall applies to products with **”Best By” dates ranging from June 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.** Any product falling within this date range should be considered part of the recall.
### The Critical USDA Establishment Number
Perhaps the most crucial piece of information on the packaging is the USDA establishment number. This number is printed inside the USDA mark of inspection and identifies the specific facility where the product was processed. For this recall, the establishment number to look for is **“P-5421.”** If the box has this number and falls within the “Best By” date range, it is part of the recall, regardless of the brand name on the front.
## I Have a Recalled Product. What Should I Do Now?
If you have confirmed that a product in your freezer is part of the **Hillshire Brands corn dogs recalled** event, it is vital to take immediate and appropriate action to ensure the safety of your household.
### Step 1: Do NOT Eat or Serve the Corn Dogs
This cannot be stressed enough. Under no circumstances should you or anyone in your family consume the product. Even if you inspect a corn dog and don’t see anything, the metal fragments can be small and embedded within the batter or hot dog, making them impossible to spot.
### Step 2: Secure the Product
To prevent accidental consumption, you should immediately secure the product. Place the entire box in a sealed plastic bag and use a marker to clearly write “RECALLED – DO NOT EAT” on the outside. This is especially important in households with children or other family members who may not be aware of the recall. You have two main options for disposal:
1. **Throw the product away** in a secure trash receptacle where it cannot be accessed by others.
2. **Return the product** to the place of purchase for a full refund.
### Step 3: How to Get a Refund
Consumers who have purchased the recalled corn dogs are entitled to a full refund. You can return the product, or even just a proof of purchase like the packaging or a receipt, to the customer service desk of the store where you bought it.
Alternatively, you can contact Tyson Foods Consumer Relations directly. The company has set up a hotline and a webpage to handle inquiries related to this recall. Have the product information (UPC, lot code, and “Best By” date) ready when you call.
## The Broader Impact on Food Safety and Consumer Trust
A recall of this magnitude sends ripples through the food industry and raises important questions about safety protocols. The fact that 58 million pounds of **Hillshire Brands corn dogs recalled** from the market represents a significant breakdown in the production process. Events like these can erode consumer trust in brands they have relied on for years.
It also underscores the critical role of the consumer in the food safety system. It was the vigilance of everyday people who first identified the problem and reported it. This recall serves as a powerful reminder for all consumers to inspect their food and never hesitate to report an issue if something seems wrong. For manufacturers like Tyson Foods, an incident like this triggers a massive internal review of their quality control measures, from the sourcing of raw ingredients to the final packaging, to prevent such a dangerous and costly mistake from happening again.
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