The FDA is issuing an alert about a Washington state recall of fresh oysters harvested by Ruco’s Shellfish. The implicated oysters are linked to an outbreak of norovirus infections.
The shellstock oysters were harvested from Dec. 2, 2024, to Dec. 17, 2024, by Ruco’s Shellfish, WA-1995-SS, from a portion of Hammersley Inlet growing area.
The recalled oysters were shipped to distributors and retailers in Oregon and Washington and may have been distributed to other states as well. The FDA is awaiting further information on the distribution of these oysters and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed.
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.
For a list of recent FDA warnings about oysters click here.
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