Norovirus fears prompt FDA warning to restaurants and retailers: Stop selling this recalled shellfish

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning restaurants and retailers not to sell or serve recalled shellfish from a Washington State company due to potential norovirus contamination. 

The recalled shellfish was harvested on March 22 through April 9, according to a safety alert from the FDA.

The alert follows an April 10 recall conducted by the Washington State Department of Health, cautioning the FDA about all species of shellstock from the company, Gomez Shellfish, due to norovirus-like illnesses that were associated with the consumption of raw oysters.

Norovirus is a contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea and is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

Where were affected product distributed? 

The recalled shellfish originally comes from a portion of Hammersley Inlet, Washington. The grower and all WA dealers contacted their buyers following the April recall.

The shellfish was distributed to restaurants and retailers in four states— California, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. 

What norovirus symptoms should I look out for? 

According to the CDC, common norovirus symptoms to watch for are 

• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach pain 

Other symptoms include fever, headache, dehydration and body aches. Symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. 

The FDA recommends that those who’ve consumed the recalled products and are experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local health department.

Norovirus spreads quickly and easily—by direct contact with someone with the virus, eating contaminated food and drinking liquids, and touching contaminated objects or surfaces. 

To prevent contracting and spreading norovirus, the CDC recommends washing your hands well with soap and water and to refrain from preparing or handling food, or caring for others while sick.

The agency advises consumers to be mindful that the virus can still be spread for two weeks or more after you feel better.

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