Oysters and clams in 9 states could be contaminated with norovirus, FDA warns
The FDA on Monday warned consumers about oysters and clams that may be contaminated with norovirus and were sent to nine states, including California, Florida and New York.
The shellfish warning covers “certain raw oysters” harvested by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and Manila clams harvested by Lummi Indian Business Council between Feb. 13 and March 3, according to an FDA release.
These potentially bad oysters and clams were sent to food retailers and restaurants in nine states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon and Washington, the FDA said.
The agency urged restaurants and retailers “not to serve or sell potentially contaminated oysters or Manila clams” but rather to “dispose of any products by throwing them in the trash or contacting their distributor to arrange for their destruction.”
There is also a risk of cross-contamination if contaminated products touch processing equipment that comes into contact with other foods in the kitchen, the agency said.
Representatives for Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and the Lummi Indian Business Council could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.
The tribe, however, issued a statement Friday warning of possible norovirus associated with shellfish coming out of Drayton Harbor. The warning did not result in a recall and urged consumers not to eat the shellfish raw.
Eating contaminated shellfish could cause symptoms within 13 to 48 hours before improving in an additional 24 to 72 hours, the FDA said.
Symptoms of Norovuris include dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches.
