Oysters and Manila clams harvested in Washington have been recalled across seven states due to an outbreak of norovirus.
The recalled seafood was harvested between November 15 and December 11 this year from the Pickering Passage growing area in Washington by a company called Rudy’s Shellfish.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this week that customers, restaurants and food retailers across Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Washington may have bought the affected products.
“The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of the oysters and Manila clams harvested from 11/15/2024 to 12/11/2024 by Rudy’s Shellfish (WA-1590-SS) from Pickering Passage growing area in Washington because they may be contaminated with Norovirus,” the FDA said in a statement.
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The recall began across Washington on December 12, with the FDA announcing on December 16 that the products may have also been shipped to Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York—and potential other states as well.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This can lead to symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain, which usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last for 1 to 3 days.
Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, can harbor the virus.
“Oysters and clams contaminated with norovirus can cause illness if eaten, and potentially severe illness in people with compromised immune systems. Food containing norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal,” the FDA explained.
Norovirus is extremely contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth.
Constant vomiting and diarrhea can result in severe dehydration, which may require medical attention.
“Symptoms of dehydration include decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy,” the FDA said.
“If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, call your healthcare provider.”
The FDA advises all restaurants and food retailers to not serve or sell oysters and Manila clams harvested between the impacted dates, instead disposing of them or returning them to the point of purchase.
“Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that shellfish may be a source of pathogens and should control the potential for cross-contamination of food processing equipment and the food processing environment,” the FDA said.
They recommend that containers that had held the affected products, as well as surfaces and cutting implements, should be cleaned and sanitized to avoid cross-contamination.
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