The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised a public health warning that a norovirus outbreak is in effect, linked to a contaminated batch of harvested oysters from Nova Scotia, Canada.
Nova Scotia’s Bill and Stanley Oyster Co. sent the oysters through U.S. and Canadian distributors to restaurants and food retailers of 17 states and the District of Columbia, including Colorado, on Jun 9, 2023.
Oysters that came from harvest area NS 10 should be disposed of and not consumed or sold, according to the FDA. Consumers and sellers can find the original shipper certification number NS 6024 SS WS on the attached product tag which matches the contaminated oyster batch.
People who think they may have food poisoning from raw oysters should immediately seek medical care, especially those with weakened immune systems, pregnant persons and the elderly.
Symptoms include nausea, headache, vomiting, body aches, fever and diarrhea and normally develop between 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Most people get better within one to three days.
Oftentimes, people confuse the norovirus with influenza – known as the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says they are not related though.
The emergency email also said that those who experience nausea and vomiting throughout the day need to be mindful that dehydration can occur. Dehydrated children might be sleepy, fussy and cry with little tears.
Oysters contaminated with the norovirus could still taste, look and smell normal.
The outbreak initially occurred on Jun 30, 2023, when the Minnesota Department of Health reported to the CDC with nine cases.
Currently, the FDA will continue to obtain further information and monitor the investigation while inspection is underway of possible additional illnesses.
