Carlton Foods, a New Braunfels, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 25,764 pounds of fresh Boudin products, which were produced with pre-cooked rice that may have experienced temperature abuse, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
These products may contain an emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, according to FSIS.
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 are characterized by nausea and vomiting occurring 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.
Media with questions regarding the recall can contact Tim Bruer, Chief Executive Officer, at (818) 415-7333. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Randy Rust, President, at (830) 625-7583 ext. 109.
Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.
