Massive Recall Has North Dakota Wondering—What’s Really in That Corn Dog?

If your fridge is stocked with corn dogs or sausages on a stick, you might want to check before taking a bite. According to the USDA, Hillshire Brands Company of Haltom City, Texas, has announced a recall of approximately 58 million pounds of corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products—after discovering that some of them may contain… pieces of wood. Yes, wood.

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The products in question were packaged between March 17 and September 26, 2025, and are marked with establishment numbers “EST-582” or “P-894.” They were sold online, shipped to retail and food service locations across the country, and even found their way into school and Department of Defense facilities. (Don’t worry, this wasn’t part of the National School Lunch Program—your kid’s hot lunch isn’t secretly a lumberjack snack.)

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The recall came after multiple consumer complaints, including five injuries. Hillshire Brands investigated and determined that wooden sticks somehow made their way into the batter before cooking. While that sounds like a plot twist no one ordered, FSIS has confirmed no additional injuries have been reported.

Here’s what you should do:

• Check your fridge or freezer. If you have corn dogs or sausages on a stick from Hillshire Brands with the recalled dates and establishment numbers, don’t eat them.

• Return or toss. The safest move is to throw the products away or return them to the place of purchase.

• Stay informed. FSIS monitors recalls to make sure products are removed from stores and schools. You can find retail distribution lists and other details at FSIS Recalls.

If you have questions or concerns:

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

• Media: Contact MaKenzie Taylor, Hillshire Brands Communications Manager, at 810-391-6680.

• Food safety questions: Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov.

• Report problems: Submit online via eCCF.

So, while your corn dog cravings might have been momentarily derailed, safety comes first—because biting into a piece of wood is definitely not the kind of crunch anyone wants. You might want to check your refrigerator in North Dakota and Montana to be on the safe side!