Millions of corn dogs recalled after injuries from wood in batter
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Corn dogs at the American Meat Institute's annual Hot Dog Lunch at the Capitol. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
About 58 million pounds of corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products are being recalled by the Agriculture Department because of possible wood fragments in the batter.
Why it matters: Wood ingestion from food can be life threatening.
- This comes after the FDA issued multiple recalls for shrimp products over concerns of potential radioactive contamination.
- Federal health officials warned last week that Walmart's and Trader Joe's heat-and-eat pasta meals may be contaminated with listeria, a bacteria previously linked to a deadly outbreak.
Driving the news: The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a health alert Saturday for "State Fair Corn Dogs on a Stick" and "Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick" products made by Hillshire Brands, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods.
- The FSIS said the wood fragments were discovered after consumer complaints.
- The FSIS reported five injuries.
What they're saying: Tyson confirmed the recall Saturday: "A limited number of products have been found to include extraneous pieces of wooden stick within the batter portion of the products, and out of an abundance of caution, the company is voluntarily recalling this product."
- "Consumers who have purchased the affected items should not consume them," the company said.
Which corn dogs were recalled?
Zoom in: The recall covers corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick items packaged between March 17 to Sept. 26, 2025. (See the full list here.)
- The products were sold online and shipped to retail locations nationwide, per FSIS.
- They also went to school districts and the Department of Defense, FSIS says.
- The recalled products have "EST-582" or "P-894" printed on packaging.
- Full lists of the affected products, use-by dates and other identifying details are available from FSIS and Tyson.
What to do with recalled corn dogs
What's next: Consumers should check their fridges and freezers, FSIS says.
- "Consumers, schools, and institutions who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them," the USDA says. "These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase."
- It's unclear if those with recalled products will receive a refund, the Associated Press reports.
What happens if you inject wood
Eating wood can be life threatening, according to a 2019 study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, with a mortality rate of 9.6% to 18%.
- Swallowing toothpicks or wooden splints could lead to abdominal pain, fever and nausea.
- Early diagnosis is crucial, and patients should seek medical care immediately.
More from Axios:
FDA warns of possible radioactive shrimp risk again in new 31-state recall
Potentially radioactive shrimp recalled in a dozen states
What to know about spiking "nightmare bacteria" and CDC's new warning
