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Boudin is a staple of Cajun cuisine, traditionally made from pork, organ meat, rice, and the “holy trinity” of vegetables. While the white version (boudin blanc) is found in every convenience store in Louisiana, the elusive boudin rouge (red boudin) often leads travelers to ask a surprising question: Why is blood sausage illegal? While it isn’t strictly outlawed, strict regulations on fresh pig’s blood make this traditional favorite harder to find than its counterparts.
Blood Boudin
Boudin rouge or simply blood boudin, is the traditional favorite, though, but harder to find unless you know someone who makes their own. If you ask many Louisiana natives, you might be told it is illegal to make and sell commercially.
The basic difference between boudin blanc and boudin rouge is that boudin rouge contains fresh pig’s blood. It is sometimes, as well, made with beef blood. This is why it is often called blood boudin.
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Many people say that it is illegal, owing to regulations set forth by the USDA that make using blood illegal.
Why Is Blood Sausage Illegal?
Blood sausage is not completely illegal. Boudin rouge, or blood sausage is not made as often as boudin blanc, but it is made and available legally. There are some regulations that govern the use of fresh blood in food like blood sausage and this does make it a little tougher to make, which explains why more slaughterhouses, butchers, or other sausage makers do not make it. However, it is not completely illegal to use blood in food products.
Pork blood to be used in food, including sausage, must come from specially USDA inspected pigs and those who sell the blood must be licensed to do so, among other requirements.
💡 Is Cajun Food All About the Heat? The “illegal” status of blood boudin isn’t the only mystery in Louisiana’s kitchens. Check out our deep dive into the Six Major Cajun Cooking Misconceptions, where we debunk myths about spicy food, blackening, and the famous “Holy Trinity.”
Louisiana Outlawed Blood Sausage
However, the state of Louisiana, according to Bourgeous Meat Market in Louisiana, did outlaw the making of blood sausage a few years back.
Bourgeous was able to work out things with officials in a nearby slaughterhouse, so that an approved method could be created.
Today, they, and a few others are the only ones to make boudin rouge for sale to the public. If you want to try some but can’t travel all the way to Cajun country to get it, Bourgeous will ship it to you!
They also make boudin blanc, of course, andouille, and a Cajun beef jerky that is their number one bestseller. They are located on Main Street in Thibodaux, Louisiana but you can visit their website, linked above, to get their number and order up some of their specialties.
| Regulation | United States (USDA) | United Kingdom / Europe |
| Animal Blood | Must come from specially inspected, licensed facilities. | Widely used and regulated as a traditional ingredient. |
| Lung Meat | Strictly banned from all food products as “unfit for human consumption.” | Commonly used in traditional “haggis” or “black pudding.” |
| Commercial Sale | Requires specific USDA or state-approved collection methods. | Standardized production across most local butchers. |
A quick web search revealed a few other places in Louisiana that make legal boudin rouge, at least according to some Louisianans posting their finds on the net. Babineaux Slaughter House on Par Road in Breaux Bridge, and Plaisance Meat Market on Plaisance Street in Lorose – Lockport.
There are, of course, other variations of boudin in Louisiana. It has been made, for instance, from crawfish, shrimp, and alligator.
In France, the blood version is usually called boudin noir or black pudding, similar to other traditional blood sausages called black pudding.
Blood boudin or boudin noir done in a French way, which may be quite similar to Cajun boudin, or done in other ways, is putting paid to the notion that blood sausage is illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions: Why is Blood Sausage Illegal?
Is blood sausage illegal? Technically, no, blood sausage is not illegal in the United States. However, it is one of the most highly regulated meat products. Because the USDA has strict requirements for how animal blood is collected and processed, many traditional or “homemade” versions cannot be sold commercially.
Why is blood sausage illegal in the US? While blood sausage is not technically illegal, it is highly regulated by the USDA. Commercial producers must source blood from specially inspected facilities and follow strict collection protocols, which makes it difficult for many small butchers to produce legally.
Is boudin rouge banned in Louisiana? While traditional boudin rouge (red boudin) was once difficult to find due to shifting state health regulations, it is still legal to produce and sell if the maker follows approved safety methods for collecting and handling fresh blood.
Why can’t I find blood sausage with lung meat? The USDA strictly prohibits animal lungs in any food product for human consumption, labeling them as “unfit for human food”. This is why traditional European recipes that include lung are banned from being imported or sold in the United States.
Is it legal to make blood sausage at home? Yes, it is generally legal to make blood sausage for private, personal consumption. The strict USDA and state regulations typically only apply to products being sold commercially to the public.