The Food and Drug Administration is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of, and consumers not to eat certain raw oysters and Manila clams harvested in Washington because of norovirus contamination.
The implicated oysters were harvested by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company (WA-1723-SS). The Manila clams were harvested by Lummi Indian Business Council (WA-0098-SS) harvested on Feb. 13 through March 3, 2026, from harvest area Drayton Harbor, WA, and shipped to distributors in AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, NV, NY, OR and WA.
Shellstock, or raw, live molluscan shellfish such as oysters and clams contaminated with norovirus can cause illness if eaten, and potentially severe illness in people with compromised immune systems.
On March 4, 2026, the Washington Department of Health advised the FDA of a recall of certain shellstock, to include raw oysters and Manila clams due to a norovirus-like illness outbreak associated with raw oyster consumption.
About norovirus infections
Food and beverages contaminated with norovirus may not look or smell bad, but it can cause severe illnesses.
Symptoms of norovirus infection may include vomiting and/or diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches, fever, and headache, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms typically start 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last for one to three days. Most people recover without treatment, however some may need medical attention for dehydration.
People with norovirus infections can spread the infection easily to others. The virus can live on surfaces for long periods of time.
