Oyster Recall Alert: What’s the Norovirus Risk You Should Know?

Megaphone announcing "Product Recall" on chalkboard background.

FDA issues urgent recall for Ruco’s Shellfish oysters due to norovirus outbreak, marking fourth warning in less than a month.

At a Glance

FDA recalls oysters from Ruco’s Shellfish in Washington’s Hammersley Inlet due to norovirus contamination.
Affected oysters were distributed in Washington and Oregon, potentially reaching other states.
Norovirus is highly contagious and the most common foodborne illness in the U.S.
Consumers advised to avoid eating these oysters and report any symptoms to healthcare providers.
This is the fourth oyster recall in three weeks amid a national surge in norovirus cases.

FDA Issues Urgent Recall for Contaminated Oysters

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent recall for shellstock oysters harvested by Ruco’s Shellfish from Washington’s Hammersley Inlet. This recall comes as the fourth warning in less than a month, highlighting the ongoing food safety concerns amid a national surge in norovirus cases. The affected oysters were harvested between December 2 and December 17, potentially exposing consumers to the highly contagious norovirus.

Restaurants and retailers in Washington and Oregon are known to have purchased these oysters, with the possibility that they may have been distributed to other states as well. The FDA is working closely with state agencies to investigate and remove the contaminated products from the market.

Understanding the Norovirus Threat

Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne illness in the United States, posing a significant health risk to the public. Symptoms typically develop within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. While most people recover without treatment, the virus can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that norovirus causes an average of 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths annually, with the majority of fatalities occurring among adults aged 65 and older. In the week of December 5 alone, 91 norovirus outbreaks were reported, indicating a concerning surge in cases.

Oysters: A Common Source of Contamination

Oysters are particularly susceptible to norovirus contamination due to their filter-feeding nature. They can accumulate the virus from contaminated water, making them a frequent source of outbreaks. This recent recall marks the FDA’s 12th oyster-related advisory in the past year, underscoring the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of shellfish products.

“Norovirus outbreaks can also occur from food that is contaminated at the source or on the farm. This can include oysters harvested from contaminated water, or fruit and vegetables sprayed with contaminated water in the field.” – The CDC

The FDA and CDC continue to monitor outbreaks and test shellfish supplies to prevent further contamination. However, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their health.

Protecting Yourself from Norovirus

To reduce the risk of norovirus infection, the CDC recommends several preventive measures. These include washing hands thoroughly, cooking shellfish properly, washing produce, cleaning surfaces, and staying home when sick. Consumers should also verify the origin of oysters and consider avoiding raw consumption until the situation stabilizes.

As the FDA continues its investigation, consumers who have purchased oysters from Ruco’s Shellfish or are unsure of their oysters’ origin should dispose of them immediately. Anyone experiencing symptoms of norovirus after consuming oysters should seek medical attention and report their illness to local health authorities. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, we can work together to mitigate the impact of this norovirus outbreak and protect public health.