Canada’s public health warning issued on October 15 for raw mussels has been expanded to include raw in-shell oysters and shucked oysters distributed by various shellfish processors in British Columbia.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to serve or consume the raw in-shell oysters or shucked oysters described below because they may contain paralytic shellfish toxins that can cause illness if consumed.

However, there have been no reported cases of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) associated with the consumption of the oysters.

The following raw in-shell oysters and shucked oysters harvested between October 2 to 14, 2011 from sub area 15-4, Okeover inlet in British Columbia, are affected by the alert:

Albion Fisheries Ltd.,Vancouver, BC:

– Beach oyster large, 5 doz, 185392, Oct. 5

– Beach oyster medium, 5 doz, 185392, Oct. 5, 9, 12

– Oyster Royal Miyagi XS, 5 doz, 185392, Oct. 5, 9

                         5 doz, 185534, Oct. 9, 12

– Little Wing oyster, 5 doz, 185505, Oct. 5, 9

               5 doz, 185607, Oct. 10, 13

Albion Fisheries, Victoria, BC:

– Oyster N/Shell Little Wing Various,185392, Oct. 5

  185505, Oct. 5, 9

  185607,Oct. 10

– Oyster N/Shell Various 185534, Oct. 9

– Royal

– Miyagi XS Various

Pacific Northwest Shellfish:

– Pacific Oysters 5 & 10 doz 11-557, Oct. 8

Pacific Rim Shellfish:

– P. Oysters 5 doz, 11100601, Oct. 5

                        11100602

                        11100603

Sea World Fisheries Ltd.:

– Live Oysters 5 doz, OY-7974, Oct. 5

Taylor Shellfish Canada BC 773 SP:

– Pacific Oyster (Shucked) (8, 16 & 32 oz) 6214 Best Before

                                           6231, Oct. 18, 19

                                           6241, Oct. 25, 26

 8 oz (UPC 59655 00023) Oct. 27, 28                 

16 oz (UPC 59655 00025)

32 oz (UPC 59655 00014)

Tri-Star Seafood Supply Ltd.:

– Shell Oyster Live M,  5 doz, C0603-047, Oct. 5

– Shell Oyster Live XL,5 doz, PB651-086, Oct. 5

                                           PB651-087, Oct. 12

                                    

– Shell Oyster Live L, 5 doz, PB651-086 , Oct. 5

                                          PB651-087, Oct. 12

– Shell Oyster Live J, 5 doz, PB651-087, Oct. 12

– Shell Oyster Live XS, 5 doz, PB651-087, Oct. 1

The recalled raw oysters were primarily distributed to wholesalers and restaurants, but could also have been sold in smaller quantities at some retail seafood counters. Consumers who are unsure whether they have the affected products are advised to check with their retailer or supplier.

The oysters were primarily distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. However, they may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

Paralytic shellfish toxins are a group of natural toxins that sometimes accumulate in bivalve shellfish, including oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and cockles. Non-bivalve shellfish, such as whelks, can also accumulate toxins, which can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) if consumed. Symptoms of PSP include tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, hands and feet, and difficulty swallowing. In severe situations, this can proceed to difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis and death in as quickly as 12 hours.

For more information contact the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday).