Daily Fresh Shellfish Inc. is recalling certain Daily Fresh Shellfish Inc. brand Oysters from the marketplace because of possible norovirus contamination.

This recall was triggered by findings of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. Several other recalls have been conducted in response to this outbreak. A full list can be found at the bottom of this article.

According to the CFIA, as of March 30, 2022, there have been 279 cases of norovirus and gastrointestinal illness linked to consumption of B.C. oysters reported in the following provinces: B.C. (262), Alberta (1), Saskatchewan (1), and Ontario (15).

Individuals became sick between mid-January and late March 2022. No deaths have been reported. Although not all cases of illness have been tested, testing of several cases has confirmed the presence of a norovirus infection.

The recalled products have been sold in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and online, and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

Recalled products:

Consumers should check to see if they have the recalled products in their home or establishment. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.

Recent oyster recalls

• Pacific Rim Shellfish Corporation recalls oysters as norovirus investigation continues
• More shellfish recalled as CFIA investigates norovirus outbreak
• Company recalls oysters linked to outbreak of norovirus; dozens affected
• Stellar Bay Shellfish recalls more oysters over norovirus contamination

About norovirus infections
People with norovirus illness usually develop symptoms of gastroenteritis within 24 to 48 hours, but symptoms can start as early as 12 hours after exposure.

The illness often begins suddenly. Even after having the illness, you can still become re-infected by norovirus. The main symptoms of norovirus illness are diarrhea, vomiting (children usually experience more vomiting than adults), nausea and stomach cramps.

Other symptoms may include low-grade fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and fatigue (a general sense of tiredness). Most people feel better within one or two days, with symptoms resolving on their own, and experience no long-term health effects. As with any illness causing diarrhea or vomiting, people who are ill should drink plenty of liquids to replace lost body fluids and prevent dehydration. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and given fluids intravenously.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)