The Food and Drug Administration Monday announced a recall for raw clams and oysters, fearing that they would be contaminated with norovirus, a contagious infection commonly known as stomach flu.
The recall involves Manila clams harvested by the Lummi Indian Business Council and distributed to restaurants and food retailers in nine states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon and Washington. The FDA said the clams may have been distributed to other states as well.
The oysters were harvested by the Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and distributed throughout Washington state.
Both food items were harvested between February 13 and March 3 in Drayton Harbor, Washington.
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The oysters were harvested by the Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and distributed throughout Washington state. (BSIP/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Washington State Department of Health notified the FDA of the recall on Wednesday.
The FDA urged restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell clams or oysters and that consumers do not eat these foods.
The agency said restaurants and retailers “should dispose of all products by throwing them in the trash or contacting their distributor to arrange for their destruction.”
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The FDA urged restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell clams or oysters and for consumers not to eat these foods. (iStock/iStock)
“Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that seafood can be a source of pathogens and should control the potential for cross-contamination of food processing equipment and the food processing environment,” the alert adds.
The FDA has warned that foods containing norovirus may “look, smell, and taste normal” but can cause serious illness if eaten.
Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of illness are encouraged to contact their health care provider and report their symptoms to their local health department.
The FDA has warned that foods containing norovirus may “look, smell, and taste normal” but can cause serious illness if eaten. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache and body aches. A person typically develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus and takes one to three days to recover.
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People of all ages can become infected with norovirus, although immunocompromised people can potentially experience severe illness, the FDA said.
The FDA said it was awaiting further information on the distribution of the clams and oysters and would continue to monitor the investigation.
