The FDA issued an advisory on Friday to alert the public of a recall of oysters shipped to the U.S. and Canada, warning that the products could potentially cause "severe illness."
Taylor Shellfish Canada ULC issued the recall for certain oysters harvested from British Columbia because of norovirus contamination. The oysters were sold as Fanny Bay, Sunseeker and Cloudy Bay oysters from lot numbers 39021 and 39033.
The products being recalled were harvested on November 27, December 3 and December 5. The information can be found on a shellfish tag attached to containers.
Why It Matters
Oysters contaminated with norovirus can cause illness if eaten, according to the FDA. Individuals with compromised immune systems could potentially develop "severe illness" if exposed to the infected oysters.
Norovirus impacts people of all ages. The illness can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults and people with other illnesses.
What To Know
The oysters were shipped to Alberta, British Columbia, Canada and Ontario, California. The FDA said the oysters may have been distributed to other states as well.
The FDA is advising restaurants not to serve or sell the oysters being recalled and dispose of them. The agency also urged consumers not to eat the recalled oysters.
Individuals who are experiencing norovirus symptoms after consuming the recalled oysters should contact their health care provider and report symptoms to their local health department.
Symptoms of norovirus include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache and body ache. Symptoms typically develop 12 to 48 hours after being exposed. Most people with norovirus feel better within one to three days.
This is the third recall issued for oysters potentially contaminated with the norovirus this month. On December 18, the FDA issued an advisory for a recall by S&M Shellfish Co. for oysters harvested in British Columbia. Just two days earlier, oysters and clams harvested in Washington by Rudy's Shellfish were recalled.
What People Are Saying
The FDA, in an advisory: "Consumers should not eat these potentially contaminated oysters."
What Happens Next
The FDA said it is awaiting further information on distribution of the oysters. The agency said it will continue to monitor the investigation and assist state authorities as needed.
The FDA added that it will update the safety alert when new information becomes available.
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