Oysters and clams potentially contaminated with norovirus recalled in 9 states

BLAINE, Wash. — The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to eat, and restaurants not to serve, oysters and clams possibly contaminated by a very contagious virus.

Officials issued a recall for the Washington-harvested seafood on Monday, saying it may have been contaminated with norovirus. 

The oysters and clams were harvested between Feb. 13 and March 3 by the Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and Lummi Indian Business Council, respectively. They were shipped out to distributors in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon and Washington.

Norovirus, sometimes called “stomach flu” despite having no relation to influenza, causes stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in severe cases can cause dehydration. Someone affected by the virus usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed. Most people get better within 1 to 3 days.

“Food containing norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal,” the FDA warned. “Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of illness should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local Health Department.”

Restaurants that may have purchased the seafood were told to dispose of it immediately. Employees at the restaurants were told to consistently wash their hands and decontaminate surfaces that could cause cross-contamination of other food.

The FDA did not specify how many oysters and clams were potentially contaminated with norovirus. Officials are reportedly continuing to investigate the exposure and plan to provide assistance to state authorities as needed.

People who believe they were exposed to norovirus after eating the contaminated oysters or clams were asked to report the event at the FDA’s Human Food Program.