California,
United States
The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of oysters and consumers not to eat oysters from Sociedad Acuicola GolPac (MX 06 SP) harvested from Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico on 12/18/2023 or 12/27/2023 because they may be contaminated with norovirus. The oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in California and may have been distributed to other states as well.
This follows the notification by the California Department of Public Health to the FDA on 1/10/2024 of a norovirus outbreak in San Diego County, CA linked to consumption of oysters traced back to the specific harvest location in Mexico. As an investigation ensues and number of illnesses being measured, the Bahia Salina growing area was closed to harvesting on 1/12/2024 by Mexican Shellfish Authorities.
The oysters, potentially contaminated with norovirus, can cause illness when consumed raw, and induce severe sickness in individuals with compromised immune systems. Even though food tainted with norovirus may appear, smell, and taste normal, symptoms of the illness such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever can occur. The symptoms of norovirus usually manifest 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last from 1 to 3 days. Severe incidents can lead to dehydration, particularly in young children, older adults and people with other illnesses. If severe dehydration is suspected, contacting healthcare providers is advised.
On the frontlines, restaurants, and retailers are urged to discard any potentially contaminated oysters either by trashing them or returning them to the distributor. It is of key importance to consider cross-contamination prevention by ensuring the cleanliness of food preparation areas and utensils.
Consumers should refrain from consuming these oysters and contact their healthcare provider to report any symptoms. This alert is specifically important for those in California who have recently dined at restaurants in San Diego or Los Angeles that sourced from Sociedad Acuicola GolPac.
In case you experience Norovirus symptoms, report it now. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care
Source:
www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurants-and-retailers-not-serve-or-sell-and-consumers-not-eat-certain-oysters-bahia
