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The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on May 22 that certain frozen, raw and half-shell oysters from South Korea could be infected with norovirus.
According to a news release from the FDA, Khee Trading, Inc., from Compton, California, recalled frozen half-shell oysters harvested from South Korea. The recall comes as the FDA says the shellfish could be contaminated with norovirus.
Food health officials are advising consumers, restaurants and food retailers not to eat or sell the frozen, raw and half-shell oysters with lot code: B250130. The FDA said restaurants and food retailers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Washington purchased the recalled shellfish.
The FDA has not reported any illnesses in connection with the recall.
“The FDA is awaiting further information on distribution of the frozen, raw, half-shell oysters and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed,” the federal agency said.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus, sometimes called the “stomach flu,” is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The virus causes 58% of the illnesses acquired, the government agency said.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
According to the FDA, food contaminated by the norovirus could look, smell and taste normal. The administration says symptoms of the virus could include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, or fever after eating affected oysters.
“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,” the FDA said.
What should consumers of the oysters do?
The FDA advises consumers not to eat the potentially contaminated oysters.
Consumers who have eaten the oysters and have symptoms of norovirus infection should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care, according to the federal agency.
Those impacted by this recall or others can report a complaint or adverse event by visiting Industry and Consumer Assistance.
Contributing: Julia Gomez, USA TODAY
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
