On the 14th of July, 2023 the United States Food & Drug Safety Administration (FDA) announced a warning against oysters from the Bill and Stanley Oyster Co., due to 9 cases of Norovirus associated with the afore-mentioned Nova Scotian brand oysters. These cases of Norovirus were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on the thirtieth of June, 2023.
According to a National Food Poisoning Lawyer, Dr. Tony Coveny, the cause for concern, Norovirus, is:
“…an RNA virus of the family Caliciviridae, a very contagious group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis illness. Norovirus was the very first virus identified to cause gastroenteritis…Infected individuals usually experience symptoms within 24 to 48 hours of exposure. Symptoms may then last up to 60 hours and alleviate on their own. Studies, however, have shown that Norovirus in the very young, say less than 2 years old, can last twice as long as that in adults, with an average illness of near four days. In some cases, neonatal exposure can lead to death. In addition, elderly persons over 85 years of age have been identified as much more likely to die from exposure to Norovirus, while those over 65 can experience significant complications. Those with immunocompromised conditions are also at heightened risk of serious complications and death.”
Restaurants, consumers and retailers are strongly advised to discard any Bill and Stanley Oyster Co. oysters they may be in possession of. These oysters were reportedly distributed beginning on June 9th, 2023 to the following states: CA, WI, CT, DC, TX, FL, GA, OH, MA, MN, MI, MD, NJ, NY, IN, PA, DE, and CO. The oysters in question’s container include a label of the original shipper certification number, which is NS 6024 SS WS.
Individuals, retailers and other possible consumers of the afore-listed Nova-Scotian-based oysters should not serve or consume the oysters, and are advised to dispose of the affected product. If experiencing adverse symptoms after consumption of the Bill and Stanley Oyster Co. oysters, individuals should alert public health safety officials as well as their personal health care provider quickly.
For more information on avoiding Norovirus, readers may visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page. You may also want to follow food safety lawyer Tony Coveny on TikTok.
