Red’s Best chopped clams - Warning to not consume/sell due to potential contamination
1 year ago •source fda.gov
Outbreak
United States
The FDA issued an alert advising consumers not to eat, and restaurants and food retailers not to sell or serve Red’s Best chopped clams labeled as lot numbers # 331 and # 333, harvested in Massachusetts on November 25 and 26, 2023 due to potential contamination that poses a risk of illness, especially to those with compromised immune systems. These clams were directly distributed to distributors and retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island and may have been distributed further from these states.The affected products are Red’s Best chopped clams illegally harvested from prohibited waters in MA on 11/25/2023 and 11/26/2023, with lot numbers # 331 and # 333, with shuck dates of 23/331 and 23/333 and harvest area mhb4, packed by 13027 ma-sp. All chopped clams were packed in one-gallon (8 lbs) plastic containers with “Red’s Best” printed on the sidewall. Both the lot number and shuck date should be printed on a decal label adhered to either the lid or sidewall of each container.
Clams, being filter feeders, can accumulate bacteria and other pathogens from the water, which when ingested, can lead to food poisoning.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified the FDA about the recall of these chopped clams on December 11, 2023. Following this, the FDA urged consumers, as well as food retailers and restaurants, to not consume or sell the above-mentioned clams until further notice. The FDA is still gathering additional information about the distribution of these clams and is offering assistance to state authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Restaurants and retailers are recommended to prevent cross-contamination of food processing equipment and the environment. They are advised to dispose of any contaminated products properly, sanitize containers that held the product, and ensure regular cleaning of food preparation surfaces and utensils.
Consumer vigilance is critical at this point to avoid any health risks associated with the consumption of these potentially contaminated clams. Consumers are advised not to consume these clams.
In case you experience vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, 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-chopped-clams