Carlton Foods of New Braunfels, TX, is recalling approximately 25,764 pounds of fresh Boudin products produced with pre-cooked rice that may have experienced temperature abuse and may contain an emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Thursday. The Boudin (sausage-like) products were produced on Aug. 22, 2014, through Oct. 17, 2014. The following products are subject to recall:

  • 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S HICKORY SMOKED BOUDIN”
  • 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S PREMIUM BOUDIN”
  • 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S ‘HOT’ PREMIUM BOUDIN”
  • 16-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S PREMIUM BOUDIN”
  • 32-oz. vacuum-packed packages of “RICHARD’S CAJUN GRILLERS BOUDIN”

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. 1943” or “EST. 961” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Products with the EST. 961 inside the mark of inspection would also have NB printed on the label. “Sell By” dates for the recalled products range from Oct. 28, 2014, to Dec. 16, 2014. The products were shipped to retail locations in Louisiana and Texas. The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during a Food Safety Assessment. During production, FSIS personnel observed pre-cooked rice, a component of the Boudin, being held at unsafe temperatures, which could result in the products containing an emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus. Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that can be found in a variety of foods, particularly rice that has been stored too long at room temperature. Emetic toxins produced by Bacillus cereus can cause nausea and vomiting to occur within 30 minutes to six hours after consumption of contaminated foods. FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider. FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Randy Rust, company president, at (830) 625-7583, ext. 109.