Washington state health officials have initiated a recall of shellstock oysters due to a norovirus outbreak, affecting products harvested by Ruco’s Shellfish from the Hammersley Inlet growing area in the state. The recall covers oysters harvested between December 2 and December 17, 2024, with specific concern for products distributed throughout Washington and Oregon. Officials have noted the affected products may have reached additional states.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety alert advising restaurants, food retailers, and consumers to take immediate action regarding these potentially contaminated shellfish. The recalled products can be identified by the harvester certification number WA-1995-SS and the harvest location of Hammersley Inlet.
Norovirus presents a particular challenge for consumers and food handlers as infected oysters may appear completely normal, with no detectable changes in appearance, smell, or taste. The virus can cause significant illness in healthy individuals and may pose an elevated risk to those with compromised immune systems.
Norovirus symptoms typically manifest between 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, with some patients also experiencing fever, headache, and body aches. While most people recover within one to three days, the illness can lead to severe dehydration, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions.
Dehydration symptoms warrant particular attention. Warning signs include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness upon standing. In children, caregivers should watch for reduced tears when crying and unusual sleepiness or irritability. Medical professionals advise seeking immediate healthcare if severe dehydration is suspected.
The FDA has outlined specific protocols for restaurants and retail establishments in possession of the affected oysters. These businesses are instructed to either dispose of the products in garbage receptacles or coordinate with their distributors for proper destruction. To prevent cross-contamination, food service operators must implement thorough sanitation procedures, including:
- Complete cleaning and sanitization of all food contact surfaces and utensils
- Proper hand washing with warm water and soap after handling any seafood products
- Thorough sanitization of containers used for bulk product storage
- Implementation of regular cleaning schedules for food preparation areas
For consumers who may have purchased these oysters, health officials emphasize the importance of not consuming the product. Those experiencing symptoms consistent with norovirus infection are advised to contact their healthcare provider and report their illness to their local health department for proper monitoring and outbreak tracking.
Shellfish harvesting areas are regularly monitored for various contaminants, including norovirus, to ensure public safety. When contamination is detected, regulatory agencies can quickly implement recalls and safety measures to prevent widespread illness.
The implicated oysters were harvested from a specific portion of Hammersley Inlet, a growing area in Washington State that supplies shellfish to various markets. Each batch of commercially harvested shellfish carries detailed tracking information on shellfish tags, allowing for precise identification of affected products during recall events.
For food service businesses and consumers seeking to verify whether they have received affected products, the key identifying information includes:
- Harvester – Ruco’s Shellfish
- Certification Number – WA-1995-SS
- Harvest Location – Hammersley Inlet, Washington
- Harvest Dates – December 2 to December 17, 2024
This recall follows similar recent health advisories about Norovirus-contaminated oysters and other shellfish from the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada, including:
- FDA alert on certain oysters and manila clams from Washington state due to potential Norovirus contamination, and
- California issues Norovirus alert on raw oysters imported from British Columbia
Food Poisoning also recently featured a story on shellfish safety and the general practices that are employed to make shellfish safe for human consumption.
The FDA continues to monitor the situation and is working closely with state authorities to gather additional information about the distribution channels of the affected oysters. The agency has committed to updating its safety alert as new details emerge about the scope and impact of the contamination.
Updates and additional information about this recall can be obtained through state health departments, the FDA’s safety alert system, or following sites like foodpoisoningnews.com.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading Norovirus lawyer said, “Any commercial supplier of food and food services should take care because contaminated shellfish can be a source of cross-contamination in a kitchen. All food service employees should follow recommended safety practices such as washing their hands regularly with warm water and soap, especially after coming into contact with any shellfish.”
