The FDA has issued an urgent recall of oysters due to contamination amid a national surge in norovirus outbreaks, but how serious is the threat?
At a Glance
- The FDA issued the recall amid a norovirus outbreak, marking the fourth warning in less than a month.
- Potentially contaminated oysters were harvested between December 2 and December 17 by Ruco’s Shellfish in Washington.
- Affected oysters were purchased in Washington and Oregon, with possible distribution to other states.
- Norovirus causes symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, risking severe outcomes in vulnerable groups.
FDA Urges Recall of Contaminated Oysters
The FDA has enforced a recall on oysters harvested by Ruco’s Shellfish in Washington’s Hammersley Inlet. The urgency stems from a potential contamination risk tied to a surge in norovirus cases. This is the fourth recall warning in less than a month. The contaminated oysters were produced between December 2 and December 17, and distributed in Washington and Oregon. The FDA warns that the oysters may have reached beyond these states, intensifying the need for the recall.
Restaurants and retailers are advised to dispose of these oysters immediately. The FDA alerts consumers to avoid consuming these shellfish and calls for vigilance about products’ origins. Norovirus, highly contagious, has surged with 91 outbreaks reported in just one week of December. The recall is the latest amidst broader concerns over food safety and virus containment.
Nationwide Norovirus Concerns
This norovirus outbreak represents the most common foodborne illness issue in the U.S. Symptoms typically include mild to severe diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and fever. The virus disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, with the CDC estimating around 109,000 hospitalizations annually. The CDC stresses personal hygiene like handwashing and thorough cooking to mitigate infection risks. Food sources like oysters are filter feeders and can easily become contaminated, facilitating outbreaks.
The FDA issued multiple advisory notices related to shellfish and norovirus last year. This recall is a significant component of FDA’s ongoing national food safety efforts, developed collaboratively with state agencies to investigate and mitigate threats.
Protective Measures and Public Health Response
The CDC and FDA emphasize the importance of cooking shellfish thoroughly, hand hygiene, and avoiding raw oyster consumption during outbreaks. Norovirus cases have surged more than previous years and even pre-pandemic levels, which worries public health officials.
The FDA and CDC continue to closely monitor outbreaks and test shellfish supplies. Consumers are advised to stay vigilant and informed about the potential risks of consuming affected products, ensuring they trust only safe sources.
Sources:
- FDA issues another recall for oysters over norovirus risk
- Oyster Recall Sparks Fourth Warning by FDA Over Norovirus Fears
- FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Certain Oysters from a Portion of Hammersley Inlet Growing Area, Washington State, Potentially Contaminated with Norovirus
