- Date issued: May 20, 2025
- Announced by: USDA’s FSIS on May 20, 2025
- Company: Bourgeois Smokehouse (Thibodaux, Louisiana)
- Product: Ready-to-eat smoked andouille sausage
- Issue: Possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
- Details: No USDA inspection mark or establishment number, wrapped and labeled in-store
- Action: Consumers should discard or return the product
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading!
What Happened?
On May 17, 2025, Bourgeois Smokehouse voluntarily recalled approximately 100 pounds of its ready-to-eat smoked andouille sausage after routine FSIS testing revealed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The sausages were produced on May 12, 2025, wrapped and labeled in-store without a USDA inspection mark, and distributed to Rouses Market locations across Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Brand | Product | Size | UPC/ID | Best By Date | Issue |
Bourgeois Smokehouse | Smoked Andouille Sausage (RTE) | Approx. 1 lb+ | No UPC / No Est. number | Not listed | Listeria monocytogenes contamination |
What Caused the Issue?
The recall was prompted by the detection of Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne bacterium known to cause a serious illness called listeriosis. This pathogen is particularly risky in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, where no further cooking is required to eliminate bacteria.
Why is this dangerous?
Unlike many bacteria, Listeria can survive and even multiply at refrigerator temperatures. It’s especially threatening to vulnerable groups, including:
- Pregnant women and their unborn babies
- Adults over 65
- Individuals with weakened immune systems (due to conditions like cancer, diabetes, or organ transplants)
Common symptoms of listeriosis include:
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- In pregnant women: miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor
While listeriosis is treatable with antibiotics, early diagnosis is essential. The infection can become invasive, spreading beyond the gastrointestinal system to the bloodstream or nervous system, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
No illnesses related to this recall have been reported as of now, but the FSIS urges consumers to act quickly and safely.
10 common questions you might have
1. What is Listeria, and why is it dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, particularly in at-risk populations. It’s one of the few pathogens that thrive in cold storage.
2. Who is most at risk?
Pregnant individuals, newborns, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
3. How do I know if I have a recalled sausage?
Check if the sausage was bought at Rouses Market after May 13, 2025. It will be smoked andouille, wrapped in-store, without a USDA inspection mark.
4. What should I do if I have the product?
Do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the store where it was purchased.
5. What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
Early symptoms include fever, nausea, and muscle aches. Severe cases may involve confusion, seizures, or miscarriage in pregnant women.
6. Can I cook the sausage to make it safe?
Because it’s labeled as “ready-to-eat,” it’s not intended for further cooking. Discarding it is the safest option.
7. Are there any confirmed illnesses so far?
No confirmed illnesses have been reported.
8. How was the contamination discovered?
The FSIS found it during routine testing of the product.
9. What if I’ve already eaten it?
If you are in a high-risk category and feel ill, contact your healthcare provider and mention the potential exposure to Listeria.
10. Where can I ask more questions?
You can reach Bourgeois Smokehouse at 985-447-1604 or [email protected]. For broader food safety questions, call the USDA hotline at 888-MPHotline.
Here’s What You Should Do
- Inspect your fridge if you shopped at Rouses Market in AL, LA, or MS after May 13, 2025.
- Look for in-store packaged smoked andouille sausage without a USDA inspection mark.
- Do not consume the product — discard or return it immediately.
- Contact Bourgeois Smokehouse for more information or questions at 985-447-1604.
Behind the Brand
Bourgeois Smokehouse, a locally respected meat producer in Thibodaux, Louisiana, specializes in Southern-style smoked meats. While this is a relatively small-scale recall (100 pounds), it’s a cautionary tale about the risks of unlabeled and non-inspected ready-to-eat products.
Other similar Listeria-related recalls this month include:
- On May 10, 2025, FSIS issued a public health alert (not a recall, technically) for ready-to-eat Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps produced by Rachael’s Food Corporation. The issue? Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne bacteria that definitely doesn’t belong in your lunch.
- On May 10, 2025, Fresh & Ready Foods LLC voluntarily recalled dozens of ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack items due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
- On April 16, 2025, Harvest NYC Inc. issued a recall for its 200g packages of Enoki Mushrooms under the Hofood99 Inc. label. The recall was prompted by the detection of Listeria monocytogenes.
- Blue Ridge Beef voluntarily issued a recall on April 11, 2025, following test results that confirmed Salmonella and Listeria contamination in two of its products: Puppy Mix and Kitten Mix.
- On April 10, 2025, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. issued a voluntary recall for 1,587 cases of its Marketside Celery Sticks, citing potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes—a bacteria you don’t want in your fridge (or freezer).
“When it comes to ready-to-eat foods like smoked andouille sausage, food safety should never take a backseat. Convenience is great, but the risks of pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes are very real. It’s critical that producers follow strict safety protocols, ensure proper labeling, and act fast when issues arise. In today’s market, trust is built on transparency and a commitment to delivering clean, high-quality products every time.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Inconsistent labeling and lack of inspection stamps can lead to missed checkpoints in the food safety chain — something both consumers and wholesale buyers need to be vigilant about.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This recall highlights why consistent inspection processes, robust food traceability systems, and clear labeling are essential. For co-packers, private label manufacturers, and food service operators, this is a reminder that product safety begins long before a product hits the shelf.
Key considerations for avoiding incidents like this:
- Conduct regular environmental testing for Listeria in facilities
- Maintain cold-chain integrity and cleaning protocols
- Label all products with traceable data, including USDA inspection numbers
- Train retail staff on food safety best practices
If you work in the bulk ingredient supply chain or food manufacturing, don’t let a small oversight become a big problem. From ingredient sourcing to shelf-ready solutions, our team can help you build a safer, more reliable supply chain.
Need support navigating food recalls or improving your quality systems? Contact us today and let’s talk food safety.
