The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a safety advisory regarding oysters harvested from Lewis Bay, Massachusetts, due to potential Campylobacter jejuni contamination. Campylobacter jejuni is a bacteria that causes infectious disease in the intestines, resulting in cramping, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
Background
The contamination came to light following an outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni illnesses in Massachusetts linked to oysters consumed on July 1 and 3, 2024. In response, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries closed the SC28 harvest area on July 19, and two certified dealers – Chatham Shellfish Co. and Island Creek Oysters – initiated a recall of their products.
The contaminated oysters have been distributed to restaurants and retailers across 11 states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania. However, the FDA warns that the affected products may have reached other states as well.
Product Details
This alert affects oysters harvested between July 1 and July 18, 2024, from two specific lease sites in the SC28 harvest area.
Consumer Action
Consumers are strongly advised to not eat oysters harvested from the specific lease sites between July 1 and July 18, 2024.
Commercial Action
The FDA is strongly advising restaurants, food retailers, and consumers to avoid serving, selling, or consuming these potentially contaminated oysters. Any recalled products should be disposed of properly or returned to the distributor.
Contaminated oysters may appear, smell, and taste normal, making it impossible to identify affected products without proper testing.
For food service establishments, the FDA recommends thorough cleaning and sanitizing of all surfaces, utensils, and containers that may have come into contact with the recalled oysters to prevent cross-contamination.
Health Risks
Consumers experiencing symptoms after consuming oysters from the affected area should seek medical attention and report their illness to their local health department.
Campylobacter jejuni is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, particularly if the oysters are consumed raw. Symptoms typically appear 2-5 days after ingestion and include diarrhea (often bloody), fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. While most healthy individuals recover within a week, the infection can lead to more serious complications such as irritable bowel syndrome, temporary paralysis, and arthritis. For those with weakened immune systems, the bacteria can potentially enter the bloodstream, resulting in life-threatening conditions.
Commenting on this story, one national Campylobacter lawyer said, “This advisory is a reminder that there are potential risks when eating raw seafood. However, food safety regulations play a critical role when it comes to protecting public health and reducing the risk of widespread foodborne illness.” The same Campylobacter Oyster lawyer has a TikTok page on oysters and had this warning.
