The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a critical alert to restaurants, food retailers, and consumers in Hawaii and California regarding potentially contaminated oysters imported from South Korea. The advisory concerns individually quick frozen (IQF) oysters produced by Central Fisheries Co., LTD, in the Republic of Korea, harvested on February 28, 2023, from Designated Area No. 2. This notice comes in response to potential norovirus contamination, a highly contagious pathogen that can cause severe gastroenteritis.
Background
On June 13, 2024, health officials in Hawaii alerted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about an outbreak of norovirus infections linked to the consumption of specific IQF oysters. These oysters were traced back to Central Fisheries Co., LTD.
Six days later the FDA was notified by the Republic of Korea that Central Fisheries Co., LTD had initiated a voluntary recall of certain oysters due to potential norovirus contamination.
Product Details
The specific products are identified by a use-by date of February 28, 2025, and Lot Code # C-20230228. While the distribution is known to have reached Hawaii and California, there’s a possibility that these oysters may have also been distributed to other states.
Commercial and Consumer Action
The FDA strongly advises restaurants and food retailers to immediately cease serving or selling these oysters and to dispose of them properly.
Restaurants, retailers, and consumers are encouraged to check their inventory and recent purchases against these identifiers to ensure they do not possess or consume the potentially contaminated oysters.
Health Risks
Norovirus contamination poses a significant health risk, particularly to individuals with compromised immune systems. What makes norovirus contamination especially concerning is that infected food often appears, smells, and tastes normal, making it difficult to detect without proper testing.
Symptoms of norovirus infection typically include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. These symptoms can be particularly severe in vulnerable populations. The FDA advises anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming the implicated oysters to seek immediate medical attention and report their illness to their local Health Department.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “This incident showcases how regulatory health bodies work together to help protect our food supply. For consumers, when it comes to food safety it’s always best to err on the side of caution and dispose of any potentially tainted product rather than risk possible illness.”
