A San Francisco-based shellfish company has initiated a recall of oysters due to a potential norovirus outbreak. The recall affects oysters distributed to stores and distributors in 15 states, raising concerns about public health.
The shellfish company, which has been operational since 1992, is located on Pier 45 at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Recently, oysters sold under the names Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi have been linked to a norovirus outbreak. These oysters were harvested between December 1 and December 9 in various locations across British Columbia, Canada.
The affected oysters have been delivered to retailers and distributors in several states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Montana, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that these shellfish may also have been sent to other states not listed.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause acute gastroenteritis, with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. The FDA emphasized that food contaminated with norovirus might not exhibit any discernible changes in taste, smell, or appearance, making it particularly dangerous for consumers.
The FDA advised that consumers experiencing symptoms of norovirus should immediately contact their healthcare providers and report their symptoms to local health authorities. This is especially crucial for individuals with compromised immune systems, as they are at greater risk of severe illness from the virus.
Businesses that may have received the potentially contaminated oysters can identify them via shellfish tags. These tags contain crucial details: the original harvester or producer (Pacific Northwest Shellfish and Union Bay Seafood), certification numbers (BC 740 SP and BC 6001 SP), and the specific harvesting locations in British Columbia, namely areas such as BC 14-8 and BC 14-15.
The FDA has advised all recipients of these oysters to dispose of them immediately to prevent any further spread of the virus. This recall serves as an important reminder of the vigilance required in handling and consuming seafood products.
The recall initiated by the San Francisco shellfish company highlights significant concerns over food safety and the potential health risks of consuming contaminated shellfish. It underscores the need for stringent monitoring and swift action in response to foodborne outbreaks.
Source: Fox13news
