Federal health officials are warning consumers not to eat certain oysters and Manila clams harvested in Washington after a norovirus-like illness outbreak linked to raw shellfish.
The US Food and Drug Administration issued a safety alert advising restaurants, retailers, and consumers to avoid oysters harvested by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and Manila clams harvested by the Lummi Indian Business Council from Drayton Harbor in Whatcom County.
The advisory applies to shellfish harvested between Feb. 13 and March 3.
According to the FDA, the products may be contaminated with norovirus, a highly contagious virus that can cause gastrointestinal illness.
The oysters were distributed within Washington, while the Manila clams were shipped to restaurants and retailers in multiple states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington, according to the FDA.
“Food containing norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal,” the FDA said in the safety alert.
The Washington Department of Health notified the FDA on March 4 of a recall involving the shellfish after reports of illnesses consistent with norovirus linked to raw oyster consumption, according to the FDA.
Restaurants and retailers are being instructed not to serve or sell the affected products and to dispose of them or contact distributors to arrange destruction.
Food service operators are also advised to clean and sanitize surfaces and utensils that may have come into contact with the shellfish to prevent cross-contamination.
Norovirus is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Fever, headache, and body aches can also occur, according to the FDA.
Symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure, and most people recover within one to three days.
However, the illness can lead to dehydration, particularly in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Consumers who have eaten the affected shellfish and develop symptoms are advised to contact a healthcare provider and report the illness to their local health department.
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