Oysters Recalled in 15 States Amid Norovirus Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for specific varieties of oysters over fears of norovirus contamination. The recall affects oysters marketed as Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi, all harvested from British Columbia, Canada. The recall spans 15 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Washington. The FDA advises restaurants, food retailers, and consumers to dispose of the affected oysters and thoroughly clean any potentially contaminated surfaces.

The recall targets oysters harvested between December 1 and December 9, 2024. S&M Shellfish Co., based in San Francisco, has voluntarily recalled the oysters from various growing areas in British Columbia. The FDA emphasizes that norovirus-contaminated shellfish do not emit any unusual smell or taste, making it imperative to heed the recall notice.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus known to cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms typically emerge 12 to 48 hours after consumption of contaminated food and usually resolve within three days. Certain populations, including children under five years of age, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of severe infections from norovirus.

Shellfish-related norovirus outbreaks are more prevalent during winter months, from November through March. This is attributed to the virus's ability to survive for extended periods in colder water. Norovirus can be introduced into marine environments via untreated human sewage, which subsequently contaminates shellfish as they absorb virus particles from the water.

In addition to the British Columbia oyster recall, the FDA has issued a warning against the consumption and sale of oysters and Manila clams from Rudy's Shellfish in Washington. Rudy's Shellfish has voluntarily recalled their products harvested from November 15 to December 11 from the Pickering Passage growing area. These oysters can be identified by shellfish tags labeled BC 740 SP and BC 6001 SP.

The FDA continues to stress the importance of public safety in response to these recalls. Restaurants and food retailers are urged to ensure all potentially contaminated products are removed from their inventory. Consumers are advised to check their purchases for the specified products and dispose of them immediately if identified.