Oysters Shipped to North Carolina Recalled Due to Potential Norovirus Contamination
Recall Date: Jan. 7, 2025
The Louisiana Department of Health has issued a recall for certain oysters that were harvested from Louisiana due to an outbreak of norovirus illnesses. The oysters were harvested from Louisiana Area 3 from Jan. 10 through Feb. 4, 2025. The oysters were shipped to distributors and retailers in AL, FL, LA, MD, MS, NC, and TX and may have been distributed to other states as well. The FDA advises restaurants and food retailers to avoid serving or selling these oysters and to dispose of them while urging consumers not to eat them due to potential norovirus contamination.
Oysters 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. 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 norovirus.
Symptoms of Norovirus
People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. The most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Other symptoms include fever, headache and body aches.
A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.
If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include a decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy. If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, call your healthcare provider.
Recommendations for Restaurants and Retailers
Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell these potentially contaminated oysters. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of any of these products by throwing them in the garbage or contacting their distributor to arrange for destruction.
Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that shellfish may be a source of pathogens and should control the potential for cross-contamination of food processing equipment and the food processing environment. Their employees should follow the steps below:
- Wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.
- Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators who have processed and packaged any potentially contaminated products need to be concerned about cross-contamination of cutting surfaces and utensils through contact with the potentially contaminated products.
- Retailers that have sold bulk product should clean and sanitize the containers used to hold the product.
- Regular frequent cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces and utensils used in food preparation may help to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination.
Recommendations for Consumers
Consumers should not eat these potentially contaminated oysters.
Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.
To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction),
visit Industry and Consumer Assistance.
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