(TheRedAlertNews.com) – In yet another troubling public health case, the FDA has issued an urgent recall for contaminated oysters linked to a norovirus outbreak in Washington and Oregon, leaving many Americans questioning the safety of their food supply.
See the tweet below!
This recall, the fourth in just three weeks, is a stark reminder of a larger issue that continues unchecked as the norovirus cases rise nationwide.
The FDA’s latest recall targets oysters from Ruco’s Shellfish in Washington’s Hammersley Inlet, harvested between December 2 and December 17.
These oysters have been distributed primarily in Washington and Oregon, presenting a risk to consumers due to norovirus’s high contagion rate.
With symptoms ranging from projectile vomiting to severe dehydration, norovirus poses a significant health threat, particularly to those with compromised immune systems.
The FDA advises both restaurants and retailers to immediately cease sale and consumption of the affected oysters, urging them to dispose of or return the potentially contaminated shellfish.
This warning is not limited to Washington and Oregon, as there is concern these products “may have been distributed to other states,” according to the FDA.
This situation coincides with a national increase in norovirus outbreaks, with the CDC reporting 495 instances across 14 states.
Nationwide, more than 2,500 norovirus outbreaks are recorded annually, often linked to communal settings such as healthcare facilities and restaurants.
This emphasizes the critical nature of the FDA’s guidance to maintain proper hygiene and cooking practices to safeguard against such illnesses.
“The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of the oysters and Manila clams harvested from 11/15/2024 to 12/11/2024 by Rudy’s Shellfish (WA-1590-SS) from Pickering Passage growing area in Washington because they may be contaminated with Norovirus,” the FDA said in a statement.
With an investigation launched by the FDA and CDC, authorities aim to identify the root cause and halt further spread.
Despite these efforts, similar recalls have plagued the fisheries industry, with 12 oyster recalls recorded in the last year alone.
Recent cases include an incident in Los Angeles where at least 80 individuals reported norovirus symptoms after consuming oysters at a food event.
As this issue unfolds, it’s pivotal that Americans remain vigilant in their food choices.
Consumers are urged to dispose of any suspect oysters and follow FDA guidelines to prevent norovirus infection.
Proper sanitation and caution in shellfish consumption are prudent steps to safeguard health amidst these trying circumstances.
“Oysters and clams 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,” the FDA stated further.
FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Certain Oysters from a Portion of Hammersley Inlet Growing Area, Washington State, Potentially Contaminated with Norovirus https://t.co/qCRo8HIsMd
— Oregon Poison Center (@ORpoisoncenter) January 7, 2025
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