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The old saying goes that the best time to eat oysters are the ‘r months,’ or any month whose name contains the letter ‘r.’ That would certainly include last month Feb(r)ua(r)y, right now Ma(r)ch, and next month Ap(r)il but the FDA has issued a warning!
The latest warning of oysters potentially contaminated by norovirus impacts nine states all across the nation and it pertains to oysters from Drayton Harbor, Washington. Furthermore, the FDA’s warning is directed at both restaurants and consumers.
FDA Issues Warning About Oysters Potentially Contaminated With Norovirus
The FDA’s warning is not specific to just oysters as it also pertains to some claims. In the recall, they announced that “c”ertain raw oysters harvested by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company” as well as “Manila clams harvested by Lummi Indian Business Council” are both at risk of norovirus contamination.
Oysters and clams harvested between the dates of February 13th and March 3rd are not to be eaten by consumers or served/sold by restaurants or seafood purveyors.
Despite the warning being issued yesterday, the oysters and clams had already been distributed across nine states restaurants and retailers. Those states include Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Illinois (IL), Nevada (NV), New York (NY), Oregon (OR), and Washington (WA).
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Drayton Harbor, Washington sits on the border of Washington state and Canada. The potential norovirus contamination could lead to violent illness in some, I speak from experience.
The FDA stated “shellstock, or raw, live molluscan shellfish such as 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.”
Their statement continued, saying “consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of illness should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local Health Department. Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever may be associated with gastroenteritis infections caused by this organism.”
Please be careful when it comes to norovirus. This is me speaking from experience here. It is quite literally the opposite of fun.
The FDA says a person typically develops symptoms from norovirus within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and most people get better within 1 to 3 days. While those with compromised immune systems may suffer potentially severe illness.
Oysters are divine. They are among the tastiest creatures in the sea. But no oyster is delicious enough to roll the dice on potential exposure to norovirus.
To see the FDA’s warning in full, visit their website.