DJ’s Boudain Recalls Sausage Links

Date Issued: January 31, 2025
Announced By: USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
Company Name: D.J.’s Boudain, LLC
Product Name: Boudain Sausage Link Products (fresh and frozen)
Issue: Possible foreign matter contamination – specifically, pieces of a pen
Product Details: Produced on January 23, 2025, with establishment number “EST. 13246” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Distributed in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Stick around to find out more about this recall!

What happened?

The recall was issued on January 31, 2025, after D.J.’s Boudain, LLC received a consumer complaint. A customer found a piece of a pen inside their Original Boudain sausage link—a less-than-ideal ingredient for any meal. These products were produced on January 23, 2025, and distributed to distributors, restaurants, and retail locations in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Affected products

Product Code	Brand	Type of Package	Link Size	Package Size	Sell-By Date
42164	DJ’s Original Boudain	Vacuum-Packaged for Retail	N/A	24-oz.	3/9/2025
20499	DJ’s Original Boudain	Bulk-Packed (fresh)	4-oz.	N/A	2/8/2025
20499	DJ’s Original Boudain	Bulk-Packed (frozen)	4-oz.	N/A	7/22/2025
33102	DJ’s Original Boudain	Vacuum-Packaged for Retail	N/A	12-oz.	3/9/2025
80573	DJ’s Original Boudain	Vacuum-Packaged for Retail	N/A	16-oz.	3/9/2025
12498	DJ’s Original Boudain	Bulk-Packed (fresh)	8-oz.	N/A	2/8/2025
12498	DJ’s Original Boudain	Bulk-Packed (frozen)	8-oz.	N/A	7/22/2025
41346	DJ’s Jalapeno Boudain	Bulk-Packed (frozen)	4-oz.	N/A	7/22/2025
30402	DJ’s Jalapeno Boudain	Vacuum-Packaged for Retail	N/A	12-oz.	3/9/2025
90758	DJ’s Jalapeno Boudain	Bulk-Packed (frozen)	8-oz.	N/A	7/22/2025

What caused the issue?

The recall was prompted by a serious case of foreign matter contamination—pieces of a pen were discovered in the sausage link products. Foreign objects like this can enter food production lines through accidental human error, equipment failure, or insufficient quality control checks. In this particular incident, a customer found a pen fragment while consuming one of DJ’s Original Boudain sausage links and reported it to the company.
DJ’s Boudain, LLC quickly investigated and confirmed the presence of foreign material in several batches of both fresh and frozen products. As a precautionary measure, approximately 17,720 pounds of sausage link products were recalled to ensure consumer safety.

How Does This Happen?

Foreign matter contamination can occur at any point in the manufacturing process. Examples include:

Misplaced items such as pens or tools from employees in the production area.
Equipment failure, where parts of machinery break off and fall into the food.
Inadequate screening systems to detect foreign objects before packaging.

While most modern food production facilities use metal detectors and X-ray systems, small or non-metallic objects like plastic or pens can sometimes slip through undetected.

Health risks

Foreign objects in food can pose serious physical hazards, especially when ingested. In this case, a piece of a pen could cause:

Oral injuries (cuts or punctures in the mouth or throat)
Choking hazards, especially for young children or elderly individuals
Digestive injuries if swallowed

One oral injury related to this recall has been reported, but no other injuries or illnesses have been reported so far.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Although anyone consuming the product is at risk, certain groups are more vulnerable to injury:

Children who may not chew food thoroughly before swallowing
Elderly individuals, who may have difficulty detecting small foreign objects while eating
People with dental issues or weakened immune systems, as even minor injuries could lead to complications

What is foreign matter contamination?
Foreign matter contamination refers to the presence of unwanted materials—like plastic, metal, or other objects—in food products. In this case, pieces of a pen were found in the sausage links, which poses a physical safety risk.
Is it safe to eat the affected products?
No, it’s not safe to eat these products. If you have any of the recalled sausage links, you should either return them to the store for a refund or discard them immediately.
What are the symptoms of ingesting a foreign object?
Symptoms may include pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing, choking, cuts in the mouth, and in some cases, abdominal pain or digestive issues.
How do I know if my sausage links are part of the recall?
Check the product label for details such as:
- Brand: DJ’s Original Boudain or DJ’s Jalapeno Boudain
- Product Code: Cross-reference the code with the recall list
- Sell-By Date: Affected dates range from 2/8/2025 to 7/22/2025
Where were the recalled products sold?
These products were distributed to retail stores, restaurants, and distributors in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
What should I do if I have a recalled product?
Do not eat it! Either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. You can also contact DJ’s Boudain, LLC for more information.
Has anyone been hurt by this contamination?
Yes, there has been one reported case of oral injury caused by the contaminated product. Thankfully, no other injuries or illnesses have been reported so far.
How is DJ’s Boudain, LLC addressing this issue?
The company has initiated a full recall and is working closely with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to ensure all affected products are removed from circulation. They are likely to enhance quality control processes to prevent future incidents.
What should I do if I feel sick after eating one of these products?
If you experience any symptoms of injury or discomfort after consuming the product, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
How can I get more information about the recall?
You can reach out to DJ’s Boudain, LLC at 409-842-0558 ext. 111, or visit the USDA’s recall page for updates and details.

Here’s what you should do:

If you have D.J.’s Boudain sausage links in your fridge or freezer, here’s how to handle the recall:

Check the Label: Look for the establishment number “EST. 13246” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Dispose or Return: Either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Contact the Company: If you have questions, contact Jonathan Wallace, Vice President of Operations, at 409-842-0558 ext. 111 or [email protected].
Questions About Food Safety? Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.

Behind the brand

D.J.’s Boudain, based in Beaumont, Texas, is known for its sausage products. While this recall may be surprising, D.J.’s Boudain is working diligently to resolve the issue. On the same day, Gerber recalled their Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks for a choking hazard, which serves as a reminder of how foreign matter recalls can affect any product category. These types of issues aren’t entirely uncommon—earlier recalls for similar concerns have involved other brands in the meat and poultry category. For example, Impossible Foods recalled its Ground Sausage products due to metal contamination, as well as Bestway Sandwiches, which recalled its Chicken and Cheese Taquitos for the same reason. Most recently, Ada Valley Meat Company recalled ready-to-eat ground beef products due to possible foreign matter contamination.

“In today’s fast-paced food industry, ensuring safety and quality is a complex but vital responsibility. Effective quality control extends beyond meeting standards—it’s about protecting consumers and fostering long-term trust. Every stage, from ingredient selection to packaging, requires meticulous attention and swift action. One lapse can have a ripple effect, impacting not only consumer health but also a brand’s hard-earned reputation. Staying vigilant and adaptable in quality assurance is key to navigating this challenging landscape.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.

Ensuring safe eats

Foreign matter contamination is a serious concern for the food industry, with significant implications for safety and trust. For manufacturers, it’s a reminder of how essential robust quality control measures are to prevent foreign materials from slipping into products.

For distributors and retailers, the recall highlights the importance of working with reliable suppliers who prioritize food safety and quality. Ensuring that products are free from contamination keeps consumers safe and businesses thriving.

Looking for high-quality, ingredients? Contact our team at Source86 today to learn how we can help source safe, reliable products for your business.