Vibrio Tainted Crab Alert: Crab meat from Venezuela possibly contaminated
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory to consumers that crab meat from Venezuela may be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Consumers should not eat this fresh crab meat, to avoid potential illness. As of July 12, there have been twelve reported cases of illness related to the contaminated crab meat, with four people hospitalized.
Crab meat from Venezuela is sold to consumers in plastic tubs and may be labeled as “pre-cooked.” The crab meat may also be served in restaurants. The FDA is urging consumers to ask where the crab meat is from, particularly when ordering at a restaurant. All crab meat from Venezuela should be avoided, regardless of whether it appears to be fine, as food contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus may actually look, smell, and taste normal.
The twelve reported cases of illness related to crab meat contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus have occurred in: Maryland (8), Louisiana (2), Pennsylvania (1), and the District of Columbia (1). The FDA is working with state and local officials in these locations to continue their investigation into the source of the contamination. They have confirmed that four of the cases are matches to the outbreak strain.
Illnesses from the contaminated crab meat began on April 1 and have been reported through July 3. As with most outbreaks, additional cases may continue to be reported even as the FDA is working to ensure the crab meat is removed from retail and restaurant distribution.
Symptoms of Vibrio parahaemolyticus include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea, fever and stomach pain. Diarrhea tends to be watery and occasionally bloody. If you have consumed contaminated crab meat from Venezuela and are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901 to learn more about your legal options.
