FDA Warns of Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Oysters

Federal health regulators this week have warned of a norovirus outbreak linked to raw oysters across about a dozen U.S. states.

Potentially tainted raw oysters harvested in British Columbia, Canada, were sent to California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington state, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday.

At least 91 norovirus cases have been reported in the 13 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of those who were sickened said they ate raw oysters when interviewed by health officials, said the agency.

On Tuesday, Washington state health officials said that 26 residents reported norovirus-like symptoms after eating oysters sourced from British Columbia in recent weeks.

At least 29 Minnesota residents fell ill after allegedly eating raw oysters at  Travail Kitchen on March 20, according to reports. The restaurant has confirmed it stopped selling Stellar Bay Gold oysters.

The FDA said it is now investigating the outbreak.

“The FDA and the states conducted a trace forward investigation to determine where the raw oysters were distributed and to ensure they’re removed from the food supply,” said a statement from the FDA on Wednesday.

“Retailers should not serve raw oysters harvested from the following harvest locations within British Columbia, BC 14-8 and BC 14-15, with harvest starting as early as January 31, 2022, which will be printed on product tags,” the agency continued. “Oysters can cause illness if eaten raw, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Food contaminated with noroviru