The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent nationwide recall for oysters from Gomez Shellfish, LLC due to potential norovirus contamination.

Recall Details

The recall affects oysters harvested in Hammersley Inlet, Washington, between March 22 and April 9. These products were distributed to restaurants and retail outlets in California, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

Officials caution that the distribution may be wider, potentially impacting additional states. The FDA was alerted to the issue by the Washington State Department of Health following a cluster of illnesses linked to raw oyster consumption.

Voluntary Recall & Product Codes

Gomez Shellfish, LLC is voluntarily recalling all shell stock species harvested during the specified period. The FDA advises businesses to stop selling or serving products with the identifying code WA-1724-SS and to dispose of existing stock immediately.

Preventing Further Contamination

The FDA emphasizes the importance of strict hygiene protocols to prevent cross-contamination. All food preparation areas, containers, and utensils that may have contacted the recalled shellfish should be thoroughly sanitized.

Thorough handwashing after handling shellfish is also crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. Norovirus is difficult to detect as contaminated shellfish typically appear normal.

Symptoms and What to Do

Norovirus causes symptoms like intense vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, typically appearing 12-48 hours after exposure. Most individuals recover within one to three days, but the illness can be debilitating.

The FDA advises consumers who have recently eaten raw shellfish to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if they persist or dehydration occurs. The agency is continuing to monitor the situation and ensure food safety protocols are followed.