The FDA issues an urgent recall of oysters from Washington state due to norovirus contamination, marking the fourth such warning in less than a month.
At a Glance
- Oysters harvested by Ruco’s Shellfish from December 2 to 17 in Washington’s Hammersley Inlet are potentially contaminated with norovirus.
- Affected oysters were distributed to restaurants in Washington and Oregon, with possible wider distribution.
- Norovirus is highly contagious and the most common foodborne illness in the U.S., causing an average of 109,000 hospitalizations annually.
- The FDA advises consumers to avoid eating these oysters and report any symptoms to healthcare providers.
- This recall is part of a broader surge in norovirus cases, with 91 outbreaks reported in the week of December 5 alone.
FDA Issues Fourth Oyster Recall in Three Weeks
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent recall for shell-stock oysters harvested by Ruco’s Shellfish from Washington’s Hammersley Inlet. The recall comes amid a nationwide increase in norovirus cases, marking the fourth such warning in less than a month. The contaminated oysters were harvested between December 2 and December 17, potentially exposing consumers to the highly contagious norovirus.
The affected oysters were primarily distributed to restaurants in Washington and Oregon, but there are concerns about wider distribution to other states. The FDA is working closely with state agencies to investigate the extent of the contamination and remove affected products from the market.
Raw oysters linked to norovirus outbreak leave at least 80 sickened in Los Angeleshttps://t.co/UyhXvX9HbI
— This Is The Conversation Project (@th_conversation) December 20, 2024
Norovirus: A Serious Health Concern
Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne illness in the United States. It typically causes acute gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. These symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure. While most people recover without treatment, the virus can be particularly dangerous for those with weakened immune systems, young children, and the elderly.
“This year, the number of reported norovirus outbreaks have exceeded the numbers that we’ve seen recently and in the years before the pandemic,” the CDC said.
The severity of the situation is underscored by statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On average, norovirus leads to 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths annually in the U.S., with the majority of fatalities occurring among adults aged 65 and older.
Oysters: A Common Source of Contamination
Oysters are particularly susceptible to norovirus contamination due to their filter-feeding nature. They can accumulate the virus from contaminated water, making them a frequent source of outbreaks. The FDA has issued 12 oyster-related advisories in the past year alone, highlighting the ongoing challenge of ensuring shellfish safety.
“Norovirus outbreaks can also occur from food that is contaminated at the source or on the farm. This can include oysters harvested from contaminated water, or fruit and vegetables sprayed with contaminated water in the field,” The CDC said.
To prevent infection, the CDC advises thorough hand washing, cooking shellfish thoroughly, washing produce, cleaning surfaces, and staying home when sick. Consumers are urged to verify the origin of oysters and avoid raw consumption until the situation stabilizes.
The FDA is actively working to contain the outbreak and prevent further illnesses. In collaboration with state authorities, the agency is tracing the distribution of the contaminated oysters and overseeing their removal from the market.
