The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered a recall of shellfish from Gomez Shellfish, LLC harvested in Washington state following reports of norovirus illnesses.

Norovirus Outbreak Prompts FDA Recall

The FDA has officially issued a broad recall concerning specific shellfish products distributed across at least four states due to concerns regarding norovirus contamination. The recall targets products supplied by Gomez Shellfish, LLC, encompassing various species of shell stock harvested between March 22 and April 9 of this year.

Affected Products and Locations

These specific products were sourced from designated areas within Hammersley Inlet in Washington State. Distribution included retailers and restaurants in California, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. Officials caution the distribution scope may be wider due to potential movement through additional supply chains.

Recall Initiated After Illness Reports

The regulatory action was initiated following a notification from the Washington State Department of Health, which alerted federal authorities after receiving multiple reports of illnesses consistent with norovirus infection among individuals who had consumed raw oysters harvested from the specified areas. Gomez Shellfish, LLC proactively recalled all affected shell stock harvested during the timeframe to mitigate health risks.

FDA Instructions for Retailers and Restaurants

The FDA has instructed retail establishments and dining venues to immediately cease the sale and distribution of any Gomez Shellfish, LLC inventory bearing the registration number WA-1724-SS. The agency advises against repurposing or cooking the products and mandates safe disposal.

Preventing Further Contamination

The FDA issued a warning regarding the importance of hygiene and food safety protocols in areas where these shellfish were stored or processed. There is a risk of cross-contamination, where pathogens move to other food items, surfaces, or equipment.

Understanding Norovirus

Norovirus is resilient and can survive in shellfish even if it appears normal. Infection typically presents with severe diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Symptoms usually manifest within 12 to 48 hours and most individuals recover within a few days, though the illness can be debilitating.

The agency continues to monitor the situation to ensure contaminated stock is removed and to prevent further foodborne illness linked to this production batch.