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Sausage Recall in 3 States As Listeria Warning Issued

Sausage Recall in 3 States As Listeria Warning Issued

Newsweek21-05-2025
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A Louisiana-based meat processor is recalling around 100 pounds of sausage products because of potential listeria contamination.
Bourgeois Smokehouse, located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, announced the voluntary recall of its ready-to-eat smoked andouille sausage on Tuesday.
The affected items were shipped to Rouses Market retail locations in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Newsweek has contacted Bourgeois Smokehouse via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) warns that consumption of food contaminated with listeria can cause listeriosis, an infection that can be particularly serious for certain groups.
Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. The infection can also be fatal in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
A photo of the Bourgeois Smokehouse sausage product that has been recalled.
A photo of the Bourgeois Smokehouse sausage product that has been recalled.
Bourgeois Smokehouse
What To Know
The recall was initiated after a sample of the sausage product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during a routine FSIS inspection.
The recalled sausages were produced on May 12, 2025. They do not bear an establishment number or the USDA mark of inspection because they were wrapped and labeled in-store at the time of purchase.
They have been available for purchase at Rouses Market stores in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi since May 13.
The FSIS has given the recall a Class I classification, meaning that there is a "reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death."
As of Tuesday, there have been no reports of illness linked to the recalled product.
What People Are Saying
FSIS, said in a January 2024 report on controlling Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat and poultry products: "[Ready-to-eat (RTE)] products are of particular concern for contamination with [Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) because they may support the growth of the pathogen during refrigerated storage. In addition, since RTE products are often consumed without further cooking, there is a greater possibility of the occurrence of foodborne illness from these products if they become contaminated."
It added: "Lethality treatments such as cooking meat and poultry products generally eliminate Lm; however, RTE products can be re-contaminated by exposure to the environment after the lethality treatment during peeling, slicing, repackaging, and other processing steps. By controlling sanitation in the post-lethality processing environment or implementing interventions in their products, establishments can ensure that their RTE products do not become contaminated with Lm."
What Happens Next
The FSIS says that anyone experiencing symptoms of listeriosis after consuming these products should seek medical attention. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers and discard any products matching the recall details. They can also be returned to the place of purchase. FSIS has encouraged any consumers with questions to contact Bourgeois Smokehouse at 985-447-1604 or bourgeoissmokehouse@comcast.net.
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