# Urgent Recall: 58 Million Pounds of Hillshire Corn Dogs Pulled After Injury Reports
A family favorite and a staple of quick meals has become the center of a massive public health alert. In a stunning announcement, Hillshire Brands, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), has initiated a nationwide recall of approximately 58 million pounds of its corn dog products. The move comes after the company received multiple reports from consumers who discovered metal fragments in the food, leading to several oral injuries. This significant action underscores a serious food safety concern, and consumers across the country are being urged to check their freezers immediately.
The news that **Hillshire Brands corn dogs recalled** such an enormous volume of product highlights the potential danger lurking in what is supposed to be a safe, convenient snack. If you have any Hillshire or affiliated brand corn dogs at home, this guide will provide all the necessary information to identify the affected products, understand the risks, and take the appropriate steps to ensure your family’s safety.
## What Prompted This Massive Corn Dog Recall?
Food recalls are typically triggered by routine testing or internal quality checks, but this one originated from a more alarming source: the customers themselves. The FSIS was first alerted after Hillshire Brands received several consumer complaints detailing the discovery of foreign materials in their corn dogs.
According to the official recall notice, these weren’t just minor imperfections. Customers reported finding small, sharp pieces of metal embedded within the corn dogs. The situation escalated when multiple reports included descriptions of minor oral injuries, such as cuts to the mouth and gums, sustained while eating the product.
Upon receiving these credible and dangerous reports, the company launched an internal investigation. It was determined that the contamination likely occurred due to a malfunction in a piece of processing equipment at one of their production facilities. Faced with a clear and present danger to public health, the decision was made to issue one of the largest food recalls of its kind in recent memory. The sheer scale—58 million pounds—reflects the long production window during which the faulty equipment was potentially in use, affecting a vast number of products distributed nationwide.
## Which Products Are Affected by the Recall?
It is crucial for consumers to carefully check any corn dog products they may have purchased. The recall is not limited to a single product but encompasses several varieties sold under the Hillshire Brands umbrella and potentially other store brands manufactured at the same facility.
### Key Identifying Information
To determine if your product is part of the recall, look for the following details on the packaging:
* **Brand Names:** Primarily “Hillshire Farm,” but may also include other brands produced by the same parent company. Be sure to check any corn dogs in your freezer, regardless of the specific brand name on the box.
* **Product Names:**
* Hillshire Farm Classic Corn Dogs
* Hillshire Farm Beef Corn Dogs
* Hillshire Farm Mini Corn Dogs
* Other related frozen corn dog products.
* **Establishment Number:** This is the most reliable identifier. Look inside the USDA mark of inspection on the box for the establishment number **“EST. 555-T.”** Any corn dog product bearing this specific number is part of the recall.
* **Production Dates:** The affected products were produced between April 1, 2024, and July 20, 2024.
* **Best By Dates:** Check for “Best By” dates ranging from December 2024 through March 2025.
If your product matches these identifiers, you should consider it unsafe to consume.
## What Should You Do If You Have These Corn Dogs?
If you discover that you have one of the recalled products in your possession, the FSIS and Hillshire Brands have issued clear instructions. Your immediate action is vital to prevent potential injury.
### Step 1: Check Your Freezer Immediately
Don’t wait. The first and most important step is to inspect your freezer for any corn dog products from Hillshire Brands or those matching the establishment number provided. Check both opened and unopened packages.
### Step 2: Do Not Eat The Product
Under no circumstances should you or anyone in your household consume the recalled corn dogs. Even if you inspect a single corn dog and see no visible contaminants, the risk is not worth it. The metal fragments can be small and difficult to detect before consumption.
### Step 3: Secure and Dispose or Return the Product
You have two primary options for dealing with the recalled product:
1. **Dispose of it safely:** Throw the product away in a secure trash can. It is recommended to place it in a sealed bag or container to prevent other people or animals from accessing it.
2. **Return it for a refund:** The safest and most financially sound option is to return the product to the store where you purchased it. Retailers are aware of the **Hillshire Brands corn dogs recalled** notice and will provide a full refund. You do not need a receipt in most cases.
### Step 4: Contact the Company for More Information
If you have questions, you can contact the Hillshire Brands consumer hotline at 1-800-321-4321. For general food safety inquiries, you can also reach the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).
## The Dangers of Foreign Material in Food
The presence of “foreign material” like metal, glass, or hard plastic is one of the most serious physical hazards in food production. The injuries they can cause range from minor to severe. In this case, the reported oral injuries likely involved:
* **Dental Damage:** Chipping or breaking a tooth.
* **Lacerations:** Cuts to the tongue, gums, cheeks, or roof of the mouth.
* **Choking Hazard:** Larger fragments can pose a significant choking risk, especially for children.
* **Internal Injury:** If swallowed, sharp metal pieces can cause damage to the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, potentially requiring surgical intervention.
This recall serves as a stark reminder that food safety protocols are in place for a reason. When they fail, the consequences can be immediate and painful.
## How Do Recalls Like This Happen?
Consumers often wonder how, with modern technology, contaminants can still find their way into our food. Food processing plants are complex environments with miles of machinery, including grinders, mixers, and conveyors. Despite rigorous safety checks, failures can occur.
In cases of metal contamination, the source is often a piece of machinery. A bolt can shake loose, a screen can fracture, or a blade can chip. While most facilities use powerful magnets and X-ray scanners to detect and remove metallic contaminants, these systems are not foolproof. The size, shape, and orientation of a fragment can sometimes allow it to pass through undetected.
The fact that **Hillshire Brands corn dogs recalled** 58 million pounds suggests a systemic equipment failure over a prolonged period rather than an isolated incident. This event will undoubtedly lead to a thorough review of safety and maintenance protocols at the facility to prevent future occurrences. Staying informed about such recalls is a key part of being a vigilant and proactive consumer.
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