Tejal Somvanshi
A food safety alert has been issued for Bourgeois Smokehouse’s ready-to-eat smoked andouille sausage due to Listeria contamination. The Thibodaux, Louisiana-based company is recalling about 100 pounds of sausage shipped to Rouses Market stores in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) discovered the contamination through routine testing of the sausage made on May 12, 2025. The products have been in stores since May 13.
“What’s particularly challenging about Listeria is that it can grow even in your refrigerator,” explains Jessica Gavin, a certified food scientist. “The bacteria thrive in cool, damp places like the inside of your refrigerator or deli case.”
The recalled sausage was weighed and wrapped at Rouses Market stores, which means it won’t have the usual USDA inspection marks on the package. This makes it harder for shoppers to identify the affected products. If you’ve bought andouille sausage from Rouses Market since May 13, you should contact the store to check if it’s from Bourgeois Smokehouse.
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Listeria poses serious health risks, especially for certain groups. Pregnant women could face miscarriage or premature delivery risks. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems might develop severe infections. Symptoms can take up to 70 days to appear and may include:
- Fever and muscle aches
- Headache and stiff neck
- Confusion and loss of balance
- Diarrhea and other stomach issues
While no illnesses have been reported yet, FSIS urges consumers not to take chances. If you have the recalled sausage, either throw it away or return it to Rouses Market. The recall serves as a reminder that food safety systems are actively working to catch potential problems before they cause widespread illness.
Blake or Logan Bourgeois, owners of Bourgeois Smokehouse, can be reached at 985-447-1604 for questions about the recall. Consumers with food safety concerns can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.
Food safety experts emphasize that finding contamination through routine testing shows that safety measures are working. “Heightened sensitivity in food testing helps catch potential problems early,” notes Rick Holley, a retired food science professor who specializes in food safety.
If you’ve eaten the sausage and develop symptoms, especially if you’re in a high-risk group, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Keep in mind that Listeria symptoms can appear weeks after eating contaminated food, so staying alert is important.
For concerned consumers, thorough cleaning of refrigerators, countertops, and utensils that may have touched the sausage is recommended. Use hot, soapy water to prevent any spread of bacteria.
