Update: February 19, 2026

On February 18, 2026, the FDA expanded the list of oysters harvested in British Columbia, Canada that may be contaminated with norovirus. 

FDA now advises restaurants not to serve, food retailers not to sell, and consumers not to eat oysters harvested between December 22, 2025 and February 4, 2026 from BC 17-20 CLF #1401656 by Stellar Bay Shellfish Ltd., Canada. These oysters were sold under the following brand names: Kusshi, Chrome Point, Stellar Bay, and Stellar Bay Gold.

Updated Advisory: FDA Advisory for Oysters from British Columbia that are Potentially Contaminated with Norovirus

Original post: February 13, 2026

Between January 18, 2026 and February 2, 2026, 11 people from 5 different meal parties in Washington State reported norovirus-like illness symptoms after consuming raw oysters harvested from a specific growing area in British Columbia, Canada. 

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising restaurants and retailers not to serve or sell these oysters and advising consumers not to eat them. 

Washington State Case Information

Eleven people from 5 separate meal parties reported norovirus-like symptoms after consuming raw oysters from British Columbia, Canada harvest area BC 17-20 #1401656. The exposures occurred between January 17, 2026 and February 1, 2026. 

Advice to Consumers

  • If purchasing oysters, ask the retailer where they were harvested. Do not purchase oysters harvested from British Columbia, Canada harvest area BC 17-20 #1401656 with original harvest dates from December 22, 2025 to February 4, 2026. These oysters were sold under the following brand names: Kusshi, Chrome Point, Stellar Bay, and Stellar Bay Gold. 
  • If you purchased oysters recently, contact your retailer to find out where they were harvested. If you are unable to determine where the oysters were harvested, discard them. 

Advice to Retailers

Do not sell or serve the following Stellar Bay Shellfish Ltd. oysters:

  • Kusshi, Chrome Point, Stellar Bay, or Stellar Bay Gold brand oysters harvested from British Columbia, Canada harvest area BC 17-20 (Nanoose Bay) CLF #1401656 with original harvest dates from December 22, 2025 to February 4, 2026.

About Norovirus

Norovirus is a viral infection spread through direct contact with someone infected with norovirus, eating food or drinking liquid contaminated with norovirus, or touching objects or surfaces contaminated with norovirus. Shellfish can be contaminated with norovirus if they are grown in contaminated water. 

Symptoms of Norovirus Infection

Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include: 

  • Vomiting
  • Watery diarrhea 
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Chills

Most people feel better in 1 to 2 days but they can spread infection to others while they are sick and after their symptoms resolve. 

Prevention

  • Wash hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
  • Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
  • If you are sick with norovirus-like symptoms, stay home from work and do not cook food for others while you have symptoms and for at least 3 days after you recover. 
  • Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces and wash laundry in hot water (see Resources below for detailed cleaning instructions).

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) Division of Regulatory Services, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, and Utah County Health Department are investigating a norovirus outbreak in Utah county that has been linked to frozen half shell oysters imported from the Republic of Korea. On July 24, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of Korean frozen half shell oysters from Designated Area No. 1 harvested between December 30, 2024 and February 6, 2025. UDAF is expanding this recall to include all oysters from this area harvested through August 6, 2025.

UDAF is advising restaurants and retailers to not serve or sell, and consumers not to eat, any Korean frozen half shell oysters from Designated Area No. 1 harvested between December 30, 2024 and August 6, 2025. At this time, UDAF is aware that product that was recalled in July was distributed to restaurants in Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties and product may have been distributed to additional counties. This is an ongoing investigation and UDAF is working with local, state, and federal partners to ensure a safe food supply and safeguard public health. This advisory is issued due to new evidence of product contamination beyond the initial FDA recall parameters.

Background: FDA Recall

On July 24, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of Korean frozen half shell oysters from Designated Area No. 1 with the following details:

    • Certification Number: KR-15-SP
    • Harvest Dates: December 30, 2024 – February 6, 2025
    • Lot Codes: B250103, B250106, B250112, B250114, B250119, B250121, B250123, B250130, B250108, B250116, B250206
    • FDA Advisory: FDA Recall Notice

New Norovirus Detection: On August 18, 2025, UDAF was notified that an additional lot of frozen half shell oysters tested positive for norovirus:

    • Certification Number: KR-15-SP
    • Harvest Date: February 13, 2025
    • Harvest Area: Designated Area No. 1
    • Lot Code: B250213

This newly identified contaminated lot falls outside the FDA’s original advisory, prompting UDAF to expand the warning to include all frozen half shell oysters from this harvest area and date range.

Norovirus Information: Symptoms typically appear 12–48 hours after exposure and may include:

    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Stomach cramps
    • Fever and headache (in some cases)

Most people recover within 1–3 days, but vulnerable groups, such as young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness. Anyone who has eaten these oysters and develops symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and report the illness to igotsick.health.utah.gov. People who are sick should not prepare food for others until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Ongoing Investigation: This advisory is part of a collaborative investigation with local health departments, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the FDA. Further updates will be provided at ag.utah.gov as new information becomes available. To report a concern, please contact UDAF’s Division of Regulatory Services at (801) 982-2220.

FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Certain Frozen, Raw, Half-shell Oysters from Republic of Korea Potentially Contaminated with Norovirus

Audience

  • Restaurants and food retailers in Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Montana (MT), and Utah (UT) that have purchased frozen, raw, half-shell oysters with lot code: B250112, harvested from Designated Area No. 1 in the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Jan. 12, 2025, and processed by JBR KR-15-SP in Tongyeong-si, ROK.  
     
  • Consumers in AZ, CA, CO, MT, and UT who have purchased frozen, raw, half-shell oysters with lot code: B250112, harvested from Designated Area No. 1 in the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Jan. 12, 2025, and processed by JBR KR-15-SP in Tongyeong-si, ROK. 

Product

  • Certain frozen, raw, half-shell oysters processed by JBR KR-15-SP, harvested on Jan. 12, 2025, from harvest area Designated Area No. 1 in the Republic of Korea (ROK).  The implicated products include Lot Code: B250112. The frozen, raw, half-shell oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in AZ, CA, CO, MT, and UT and may have been distributed to other states as well. 

    The photo below is included for reference as an example of product tag/label that would be included on cartons of frozen, raw, half-shell oysters with Lot Code: B250112.

 Purpose

Wang Globalnet of Vernon, CA has recalled frozen, raw, half-shell oysters with Lot Code: B250112, harvested from Designated Area No. 1 in the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Jan. 12, 2025 and processed by JBR KR-15-SP in Tongyeong-si, ROK because they may be contaminated with norovirus.  The FDA is advising consumers not to eat and restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of these frozen, raw, half-shell oysters that were distributed in AZ, CA, CO, MT, and UT, and may have been distributed to other states as well.

Shellfish, such as 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 this organism.

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 ache.

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 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.

Summary of Problem and Scope

On July 16, 2025, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food informed the FDA of an outbreak of norovirus illnesses associated with consumption of certain oysters from the Republic of Korea with Lot Code: B250112 harvested from Designated Area No. 1 in the ROK on Jan. 12, 2025, and processed by JBR KR-15-SP in Tongyeong-si, ROK.  The product was recalled by  Wang Globalnet of Vernon, CA on July 21, 2025.

FDA Actions

The FDA is issuing this alert advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and consumers not to eat frozen, raw, half-shell oysters with Lot Code: B250112, harvested from Designated Area No. 1 in the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Jan. 12, 2025, and processed by JBR KR-15-SP in Tongyeong-si, ROK, and distributed in AZ, CA, CO, MT and UT, due to possible norovirus contamination.  The FDA is awaiting further information on distribution of these frozen, raw, half-shell oysters and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed.  As new information becomes available, the FDA intends to update the safety alert.  

Recommendations for Restaurants and Retailers

Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell the potentially contaminated frozen, raw, half-shell oysters. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of any 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.

California based S&M Shellfish Co. has issued a product recall for oysters after confirming multiple illnesses due to norovirus contamination. The oysters affected were sold under the names Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay and Royal Miyagi Oysters and were harvested between December 1st and 9th in British Columbia. 

California restaurants and businesses affected by the recall include San Francisco’s Waterbar, San Francisco’s Mission Street Oyster Bar, Redwood City’s Hurrica, Santa Rosa’s Santa Rosa Seafood and San Pablo’s Mariscos La Playita, according to a notice from the California Department of Public Health. The oysters were also distributed in Arizona, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration is recommending businesses dispose of these products or return them to their distributor for destruction. The oysters can be identified by the original harvesters or producers, printed on the shellfish tag: Pacific Northwest Shellfish and Union Bay Seafood.

Washington company Rudy’s Shellfish also recently issued a recall of oysters and Manila clams harvested from Nov. 15 to Dec. 11 due to a norovirus outbreak. The affected shellfish were distributed in California as well as other states.

More than 70 people reported feeling ill after eating oysters at the LA Times’ 101 Best Restaurants event in Los Angeles on Dec. 3, according to L.A. Taco. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a norovirus outbreak associated with the oysters served at “an event on December 3,” a spokesperson told L.A. Taco without referring to the LA Times party specifically. An LA Times spokesperson told L.A. Taco that the oysters served at the event were Fanny Bay Oysters originating from British Columbia and sourced by Santa Monica Seafood.

The Desert Sun reported this week that there have been 57 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus reported by people who ate raw oysters from British Columbia at California restaurants, according to the CDPH. 

Norovirus symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache and body ache, according to the FDA. Symptoms usually develop between 12 and 48 hours after exposure and last one to three days. 

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In October 2024, Public Health Seattle King County (PHSKC) officials investigated an outbreak of norovirus associated with McDonald’s Restaurant located at 8515 124th Ave NE in Kirkland, WA. Three people who did not know each other reported illness after eating at the restaurant between October 23 and October 26, 2024. No one was hospitalized and no one died. Two of the three people who became sick underwent testing. Both people tested positive for norovirus.

PHSKC visited the restaurant on October 29, 2024 and confirmed that no restaurant workers reported being sick in the past two weeks. Investigators did not find any unsafe food practices related to the spread of PHSKC revisited the restaurant on November 1, 2024, and asked them to follow their norovirus cleaning protocols and complete a deep cleaning of the restaurant.

The Pierce County Department of Health announced that it was working with Harvest Buffet, 3121 S. 38th St., Tacoma, following a suspected norovirus outbreak. We closed the restaurant around 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, and will reopen it after at least 24 hours. Staff will clean and sanitize the restaurant and take all steps necessary to ensure the public is no longer at risk.

Multiple people in the same group but from different households reported norovirus-like symptoms on Wednesday after they ate at the restaurant Sunday, Oct. 6. The meal was their only common source of food.

If you ate at Harvest Buffet recently and became ill, contact us at food@tpchd.org, report online, or (253) 649-1696. 

Norovirus is highly contagious. It can cause diarrhea and vomiting, often at the same time. Symptoms typically last a day or two. It is the same virus often related to cruise ship outbreaks.

In addition to cleaning and sanitizing the restaurant, staff will throw out all ready-to-eat foods like vegetables, bread, and cheese.

Cleaning for norovirus

Clean vomit or diarrhea accidents immediately.

Step 1. Remove vomit or poop.

  • Pick up the chunks with paper towels or other disposable material. Wear disposable gloves if available. 
  • Soak up liquids with absorbent materials. Use kitty litter or dry oatmeal for carpeted areas.
  • Double bag and discard.
  • Do not use a vacuum cleaner.

Step 2. Sanitize areas where vomit or poop was present, as well as bathroom surfaces and other things you frequently touch. 

  • Disinfect hard surfaces using 1 2/3 cups of household bleach per gallon of water. Allow for 1 minute of contact time.
  • Sanitize all handles and knobs in your house with the bleach solution.
  • Linens (including clothing, towels, napkins): Wash separately in hot water and dry on high.
  • Steam clean carpets using the highest setting for heat.
  • Avoid cross-contamination (use separate sanitation cloths for bathroom and other surfaces).
  • Clean and disinfect all containers used (e.g., buckets).

Handwashing

Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Especially after cleaning, restroom use, and before eating.

If you ate at Harvest Buffet and became ill, contact the Health Department at food@tpchd.org, report online, or call (253) 649-1696.

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The DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP), in consultation with the Hawai‘i Dept. of Health (DOH), has elected to close the entire Kalalau Trail section, from Kē‘ē to Honopu in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. DLNR and DOH are closely coordinating the situation in Kalalau and taking appropriate action to ensure public health and safety.

The highly contagious norovirus has been identified as the cause of illness to dozens of backpackers along the trail. This viral illness typically causes copious vomiting, often accompanied by fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

The closure is effective immediately and DOH is recommending closure at least until Sept. 19. All comfort stations along the trail are being cleaned and disinfected. Ha‘ena State Park and Kē‘ē Beach will remain open with enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the comfort station there.

Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) will travel to Kalalau, Hanakoa, and Hanakāpīʻai this weekend to direct any remaining permitted and unpermitted hikers and campers to leave the area. The Kalalau Trailhead at Kē‘ē will be manned by law enforcement 24/7 to prevent entrance onto the trail.

DOH has received reports of illness from at least 37 people who were hiking the Kalalau Trail and camping at a state campsite at Kalalau beach, though the actual number of affected people is estimated to be higher. A DOH team is at Kalalau today collecting  water, soil, and environmental swabs to assess ongoing risk of transmission from contaminated surfaces or water.

Norovirus was detected in multiple samples from people who didn’t directly interact with each other.

Beginning with the initial closure Wednesday morning and again yesterday, DOCARE officers flew into Kalalau to tell campers they needed to leave. Officer Christian “Kana‘i” Gayagas said he and a fellow officer approached about 40 campers at Kalalau. They cited two, who did not have the required permit to hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai.

Forrest Liss of Kaua‘i backpacked  to Kalalau on Tuesday, prior to the park closure. He said he’d heard about some sort of illness on social media and spoke while cleaning camp, preparing to hike out. He said by the time he and his party reached camp most everyone who was sick had already left. He added, “We figure camping, people get sick. Maybe they drank the water. People get sick but when they start going through the protocols of shutting down the park, actually this is something a little more serious.”

Norovirus has impacted at least three other popular trails in the U.S. in recent years.

The National Park Service Office of Public Health has received increasing reports of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses among hikers and other individuals along the Appalachian Trail in areas of Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Norovirus is suspected as the cause of illness and has been confirmed diagnostically in at least some of the cases. The impact of norovirus in other areas and states along the Appalachian Trail is possible due to virus transmissibility and challenges to hand hygiene and sanitation along the trail.

According to media reports, dozens of people visiting Havasu Falls in Arizona got ill and were flown out for medical treatment in June. Norovirus was confirmed as the cause of sickness in some cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2022, the largest outbreak of acute gastroenteritis documented in the Grand Canyon National Park backcountry occurred. At least 222 rafters and backpackers became infected, probably with norovirus. Also, in 2022 and again this past April, hikers on the Pacific Coast Trail also reported getting sick.

Coincidentally, Thursday had been scheduled as a regular DSP maintenance day at Kalalau. In addition to the DOCARE officers, three state parks workers collected and bagged rubbish to be helicoptered out of the valley. They did two “sling loads,” which is dramatically different from a decade ago when it was common for helicopters to lift dozens of 600-pound sling loads of trash out of Kalalau.

In addition to that work and replacing missing signs, they employed DOH recommendations when cleaning the camp’s comfort station. Derrick Louis of DSP said, “We swept the floor and bleached the whole bathroom, floors, railings, toilets, everything. Waited at least 7 to10 minutes, cleaned everything and did it again and then we wiped everything down with a disinfectant.”

Despite the current closure, Kalalau Valley has a long history of harboring squatters who are often hidden in the thick forest of the valley making them undetectable.

Commercial and recreational boaters should not drop people off to swim, paddle, or kayak to Kalalau beach. It is imperative to keep humans out based on the DOH protocols. People can be cited or arrested during the closure, and once Kalalau reopens if they are present without a required state permit.

San Diego County health officials have linked 11 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus illness to frozen oysters imported from South Korea. 

Customers who ate the oysters at 100s Seafood Grill Buffet in Mission Valley between March 31 and April 1 became sick, one person went to the emergency department.  

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is now linking the San Diego illnesses to quick-frozen oysters.  

The FDA is cautioning all restaurants and stores that sell frozen, raw half-shell oysters to check their freezers and verify the origin of their oysters.  To identify their origin, look for shellfish tag or label information. Oysters processed by JBR (KR 15 SP) in Tongyeongsi, Republic of Korea on 11/27/2023, 1/4/2024 and 2/15/2024 with lot numbers B231126, B240103 and B240214 should not be consumed. The County of San Diego is working with the California Department of Public Health to identify other potential retailers in our region. 

These items may be labeled “Amazing Sea Brand.” 

If you have consumed these oysters and feel ill, it is important to see your doctor for evaluation,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “If you or someone you live with is sick with norovirus, it is important to wash your hands often and clean common areas to prevent spreading the infection.” 

This comes four months after County of San Diego health officials linked 41 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus to raw oysters imported from a specific harvest location in Northwest Mexico. 

People infected with norovirus generally develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever and body aches approximately 12 to 48 hours after consuming contaminated foods. The illness typically lasts for one to three days. The vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration requiring medical attention, especially in young children, older adults and people with other illnesses.   

The County’s Epidemiology Program and Department of Environmental Health and Quality are working closely with California Department of Public Health, including the Shellfish Program, to continue investigating illnesses associated with oysters.   

To report illness to the County after dining out or purchasing from wholesale food locations call (858) 505-6814, or email fhdepi@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Audience

Restaurants and food retailers in Connecticut (CT), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Minnesota (MN), New Jersey (NJ), Ohio (OH), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC) and Texas (TX) that have recently purchased oysters from Norm Bloom and Son (CT-069-SS, AQ), harvested from Westport, CT, lot 207, with the harvest date 2/20/2024.

Consumers in CT, FL, GA, MA, MD, ME, MN, NJ, OH, RI, SC, and TX who have recently purchased oysters from Norm Bloom and Son (CT-069-SS, AQ), harvested from Westport, CT, lot 207, with the harvest date 2/20/2024.

Product

Recalled oysters are from Norm Bloom and Son (CT-069-SS, AQ), harvested from Westport, CT, lot 207, with the harvest date 2/20/2024. The oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in CT, FL, GA, MA, MD, ME, MN, NJ, OH, RI, SC, and TX, and may have been distributed to other states as well.

Purpose

The FDA is notifying restaurants, food retailers, and consumers that the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture is conducting a recall of oysters harvested by Norm Bloom and Son (CT-069-SS, AQ) from Westport, CT, lot 207, with the harvest date 2/20/2024, because they are associated with a norovirus outbreak in Minnesota and may be contaminated with norovirus. The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and consumers not to eat the recalled oysters.

Shellfish 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 this organism.

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 ache.

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 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

Summary of Problem and Scope

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture is conducting a recall of oysters from Norm Bloom and Son (CT-069-SS, AQ), harvested from Westport, CT, lot 207, with the harvest date 2/20/2024, because they are associated with a norovirus outbreak in Minnesota and may be contaminated with norovirus. The oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in CT, FL, GA, MA, MD, ME, MN, NJ, OH, RI, SC, and TX, and may have been distributed to other states as well. The FDA is advising consumers not to eat, and restaurants and food retailers not to sell, and to dispose of these oysters.

Contaminated oysters can cause illness if eaten raw, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Food contaminated with norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of norovirus illness should contact their healthcare provider, who should report their symptoms to their local Health Department.

FDA Actions

The FDA is sharing the notice of the CT oyster recallExternal Link Disclaimer and advising consumers not to eat, and restaurants and food retailers not to sell, oysters from Norm Bloom and Son (CT-069-SS, AQ), harvested from Westport, CT, lot 207, with the harvest date 2/20/2024, and distributed to restaurants and retailers in  CT, FL, GA, MA, MD, ME, MN, NJ, OH, RI, SC, and TX. The FDA is awaiting information on further interstate distribution of the oysters and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed.

Recommendations for Restaurants and Retailers

Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell the potentially contaminated oysters. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of any products by throwing them in the garbage or returning them to their distributor 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. They 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.
Oyster-update-1-1536x1288

Oyster associated norovirus cases are also being reported in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties. Both the California Department of Public Health and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are now actively engaged in the investigation.  

The investigation of oyster-linked illnesses by County of San Diego health officials has expanded to include additional oyster harvest locations in Mexico. Health officials are recommending consumers and restaurants throw away any oysters imported from locations in Mexico until further notice. 

The local norovirus outbreak now includes 69 confirmed and probable cases. The severity of the infections in San Diego County has remained mild, with no hospitalizations reported to date. The initial investigations identified 41 probable and confirmed norovirus cases linked to oysters harvested in Sonora, Mexico. The sickened patrons dined at the Fish Shop chain and Carlsbad Aquafarm. Twenty-eight more cases have been added including 20 who ate oysters from other food venues.  

The FDA, which has jurisdiction over oysters imported into the country, issued an initial advisory on Jan. 11, based, at least in part, on the findings of the investigation conducted by County health officials.  

On Jan. 17th, the FDA issued a second advisory for Laguna De Guerrero Negro and Laguna Manuela, both on the Pacific Coast of Baja California, Mexico but locations geographically distant from Sonora. Today, FDA updated the initial advisory on Sonora oysters to include a second harvest location, Estero Morua. 

The new FDA recommendations advise restaurants and retailers to dispose of any oysters they still have or contact their distributor to coordinate return or destruction. People who have them in their homes should do the same. 

All of the implicated oysters were harvested in December 2023 and no oysters since then have been distributed to food venues in San Diego from those locations.  

Given the expanding number of harvest locations associated with illness and the potential of other sites to be involved, County Public Health is recommending against the use of all oysters imported from Mexico at this time. 

“The County recommends that people ask where oysters were harvested when eating out or getting food from wholesale locations to avoid consuming oysters imported from Mexico,” said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, Deputy County Public Health Officer. “Norovirus is typically a mild illness but can cause dehydration especially for the very young and very old. Given the increasing number of cases, the chance for others at greater risk for more severe illness in the same home is also increased. I want to remind people who become ill, and those that live with them, to wash their hands frequently to avoid contaminating surfaces and foods that could further spread the infection.”  

Eating raw oysters has been linked to outbreaks with other germs including Vibrio, Shigella, and E. coli, in addition to norovirus. If you eat raw or undercooked oysters, germs that might be in the oyster can make you sick.  

People who have or develop symptoms should reach out to their healthcare provider. To report illness to the County after dining out or purchasing from wholesale food locations call (858) 505-6814, or email fhdepi@sdcounty.ca.gov.  

More information on seafood and shellfish safety is available here, general information on norovirus is here, and prevention of norovirus spread in the home information is here.