Ruck’s Recalls Sausage Products Over Listeria Contamination

Date Issued: July 7, 2025
Company Name: Ruck’s Meat Processing (Belle Plaine, MN)
Product Name(s): Cheese Polish Sausage, Homestyle Wieners, and more
Issue: Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Details: Sold at farmers’ markets, wholesale events, and one retail location
Action: Do NOT eat. Throw away or return to the store.

Shall we learn more about this sausage situation? Keep reading!

What Happened?

On July 7, the FDA issued a food safety alert after Ruck’s Meat Processing voluntarily recalled several ready-to-eat sausage products that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during routine sampling by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The contamination was discovered before any illnesses were reported, so this recall is preventative—but still serious.

The affected products include those sold under both the Ruck’s Meat Processing and Tollefson Family Pork brand names, distributed at farmers’ markets, wholesale events, and one retail location in Belle Plaine, MN.

Here’s the breakdown:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC/ID	Best By/Packed On	Issue
Ruck’s Meat Processing	Cheese Polish Sausage	Not specified	MN Est. #8921	6-25-25	Listeria monocytogenes
Tollefson Family Pork	Homestyle Wieners	Not specified	MN Est. #8921	6-25-25	Listeria monocytogenes
Tollefson Family Pork	No Sugar Added Homestyle Wieners	Not specified	MN Est. #8921	6-25-25	Listeria monocytogenes
Tollefson Family Pork	Smoked Polish Sausage w/ Cheddar Cheese	Not specified	MN Est. #8921	6-25-25	Listeria monocytogenes

What Caused the Recall?

The issue at hand is Listeria monocytogenes—a foodborne pathogen that’s not to be taken lightly. During a routine inspection by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, samples of sausage from Ruck’s Meat Processing tested positive for the bacteria, prompting a swift recall before any illnesses were reported.

What Is Listeria and Why Does It Matter?

Listeria monocytogenes is a tough bacterium that can survive and multiply even at refrigeration temperatures, making it particularly dangerous in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods like sausages. Unlike some bacteria that give off a funky smell or taste, Listeria-contaminated foods often seem perfectly normal—until it’s too late.

Who’s at Risk?

While anyone can contract a Listeria infection (called listeriosis), some groups are at far greater risk for severe illness:

Pregnant women – Infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn infection.
Older adults – Immune systems naturally weaken with age, increasing vulnerability.
Infants and young children – Their immune systems are still developing.
People with weakened immune systems – Includes cancer patients, transplant recipients, and those with chronic illnesses.

Symptoms of Listeriosis

Symptoms can take a few days to more than two months to appear after eating contaminated food. Common signs include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Persistent fever
Muscle aches
Severe headache
Neck stiffness
Confusion or balance issues (in severe cases)

In pregnant individuals, symptoms may be mild—but the risks to the baby are serious.

10 Common Questions You Might Have

1. How do I know if I’ve bought the recalled sausage?
Look for “Packed on 6-25-25” and the Minnesota inspection mark “Est. 8921.” Products were sold at farmers’ markets, wholesale events, and Ruck’s retail shop in Belle Plaine.

2. Is it still safe to eat if I cook it thoroughly?
No. While cooking can kill Listeria, cross-contamination or improper handling may still pose a risk. The safest move is to throw it away or return it.

3. What happens if I already ate it?
Monitor for symptoms like fever, muscle aches, or stomach issues. If symptoms develop, consult a doctor and mention possible Listeria exposure.

4. Can Listeria make me sick immediately?
Not always. Symptoms may take up to 70 days to appear. Keep an eye out for signs and consult a healthcare provider if needed.

5. Is there a test for Listeria?
Yes, but it requires a doctor’s visit and specific lab tests to confirm.

6. What should pregnant women do if they eat the product?
Contact a healthcare provider immediately—even if symptoms haven’t appeared. Early intervention is key.

7. Can I get a refund for the recalled product?
Yes. Ruck’s Meat Processing advises customers to return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.

8. How common are Listeria recalls?
They’re not uncommon, especially with RTE meat products. That’s why ongoing testing and traceability are crucial.

9. How did the contamination happen?
The specific source hasn’t been disclosed, but Listeria contamination often occurs in processing environments with poor sanitation or insufficient safety protocols.

10. Where can I get more information?
Contact Ruck’s Meat Processing at 952-873-2848 or visit the FDA recall page for updates.

Here’s What You Should Do

Ruck’s Meat Processing and Tollefson Family Pork Cheese Polish Sausage, Homestyle Wieners, and more

If you’ve got one of these sausages hanging out in your fridge or freezer:

Toss it immediately or return it to the place of purchase.
Look for: “Packed on 6-25-25” and MN Est. #8921 on the label.
Concerned about symptoms? Call your healthcare provider.
Questions about the recall? Contact Ruck’s Meat Processing at 952-873-2848.

Behind the Brand

Ruck’s Meat Processing, based in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, is a regional player known for producing small-batch sausages and local meat products. Some of the affected items were sold under Tollefson Family Pork, which caters to local markets and wholesale events.

While this is the first major recall publicly tied to Ruck’s, Listeria-related recalls have peppered the industry in recent weeks. Notable mentions:

On July 2, 2025, Kraft Heinz Foods Company recalled a staggering 367,812 pounds of its Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon after internal testing flagged the possibility of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
On June 20, 2025, Oregon-based Face Rock Creamery voluntarily recalled its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds after internal routine testing flagged the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
On June 17, 2025, FreshRealm recalled its Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo products after FSIS linked them to a multi-state Listeria monocytogenes outbreak.
On June 11, 2025, Hofood99 Inc. recalled its 200g Enoki Mushrooms after discovering Listeria monocytogenes in a sample collected in Michigan.
On June 10, 2025, Bornstein Seafoods Inc. voluntarily recalled 44,550 pounds of its Ready-to-Eat Coldwater Shrimp Meat after a routine in-process test detected Listeria monocytogenes in the production environment.

“It only takes a single contaminated batch to set off a recall like this one. This incident underscores why clear traceability, strict safety standards, and open communication across the supply chain are absolutely critical.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring Safe Eats

This recall serves as a sizzling reminder of how critical food safety remains across the supply chain—especially for ready-to-eat products like sausage.

For manufacturers, co-packers, and private label brands, this recall is a lesson in: