The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a recall of a batch of sausages due to a potential health risk to consumers. The product was sold in several states across the country; if you recently purchased this brand, here’s what you need to know and what steps to take.
Why Did Bourgeois Smokehouse Recall Its Sausages?
According to the USDA, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) conducted testing on the sausages and found possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. So far, no illnesses have been reported, but approximately 100 pounds of the product have been recalled as a precaution.
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Which Bourgeois Smokehouse Sausages Were Recalled?
The affected product is the ready-to-eat smoked andouille sausage, which was produced on May 12, 2025, and sold in retail stores starting May 13.
Where Were the Recalled Bourgeois Smokehouse Sausages Sold?
The recalled sausages were sold at Rouses Market stores in the following states:
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
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What Should I Do If I Bought the Recalled Sausages?
Health officials advise consumers who purchased the product not to eat it and to dispose of it immediately. Customers can also return the product to the store for a refund or replacement.
What is the USDA?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) manages programs and services related to rural development, animal welfare, food, nutrition, natural resources, the environment, and forests.
Within the USDA, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) serves as its public health agency, with the mission of protecting the public by ensuring that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe for consumption. FSIS carries out this work based on its legal authority under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act. It also enforces the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, which ensures the humane treatment of animals intended for slaughter.
What is listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium responsible for an infection that can be very serious or even fatal. This condition particularly affects young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of listeria
Listeria infection may include the following symptoms, typically appearing within a month:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- Confusion
In pregnant women, it can lead to miscarriages or stillbirth.
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How dangerous is listeria?
Listeria infection can affect various organs, including the brain, spinal cord membranes, and the circulatory system.
How is listeria transmitted?
The bacterium are widespread in the environment, present in both water and soil. Infected animals can also act as carriers and sources of transmission.
Listeria can be transmitted in the following ways:
- Consumption of unpasteurized milk or contaminated vegetables.
- Transmission from mother to fetus in the womb or directly to the fetus during childbirth.
- Through sexual contact.
- Through inhalation of the organism.
What foods cause listeria?
- Dairy products made with unpasteurized milk
- Ready-to-eat deli meats and processed meats (sausages, hams, and pâtés)
- Smoked fish, such as salmon
How to prevent listeria?
Since this microorganism is widespread in the environment, the most effective protection is to follow basic hygiene practices. This includes consuming only pasteurized dairy products, ensuring meats are well cooked, and properly washing hands before preparing food.
It is also recommended that pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems avoid consuming these foods, along with soft cheeses and raw deli meats.
