The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted an advisory telling retailers to get rid of oysters procured from Future Seafoods Inc. of Bedeque, P.E.I., if they were harvested from area PE9B and shipped on Oct. 10. Why? Due to the finding by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of both Salmonella and E. coli in samples tested on a routine basis. While this is a limited alert, the problem is part of a growing trend, in which more and more outbreaks of potentially deadly bacteria (and viruses) have been reported in recent years. Some experts point the finger at global warming trends for increase vibrio, with others to poor off-coast land management.
There recalled Future Seafoods Inc. of Bedeque, P.E.I., oysters are the latest in a string of oyster recalls due to bacterial and viral infestation. In this recall, the contaminated oysters were sent to Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Pennsylvania and Virginia. In previous outbreaks of norovirus, and of vibrio illness caused by eating raw oysters, entire regions were warned to avoid eating raw oysters. In fact, according to a national vibrio lawyer, Ron Simon, “eating raw oysters is increasingly dangerous and potentially deadly. In fact, more and more states are passing legislation with regard to eating raw oysters because of the growing concern.”
Ron Simon, arguably the nation’s best vibrio lawyer, added: “Raw Oysters are simply too dangerous to eat for most people. I recommend caution adn, if possible, avoidance, of this palatal delight.”
According to the FDA Alert:
Contaminated oysters can cause illness if eaten raw, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Food contaminated with Salmonella and E. coli may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products experiencing salmonellosis or E. coli symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local Health Department
While the recall/Alert is only applicable to the Future Seafoods Inc. of Bedeque, P.E.I., if they were harvested from area PE9B and shipped on Oct. 10, this Alert is a sign of more than that. It is highly likely that the problem is more wide-spread and additional lots will be affected. In the interim, as always, caution should be exercised in consuming raw oysters.
