Raw oysters and clams recalled in 9 states over possible norovirus contamination
Federal health officials are warning consumers and restaurants to avoid certain raw oysters and Manila clams harvested in Washington state after a recall tied to potential norovirus contamination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert on March 9 advising that raw oysters from the Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and Manila clams harvested by the Lummi Indian Business Council may be linked to a norovirus-like illness outbreak.
According to the FDA, the shellfish were harvested from Drayton Harbor in Washington between Feb. 13 and March 3, 2026.
The oysters were distributed to consumers within Washington, while the clams were shipped to restaurants and retailers in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon and Washington, with the possibility that other states also received shipments.
Health officials warn that contaminated shellfish can still look, smell and taste normal, making the risk difficult for consumers to detect. Restaurants and food retailers have been instructed not to serve or sell the products and to dispose of them immediately.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, often called the “stomach flu.” Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever and body aches. Most people recover within one to three days, but the illness can be more severe for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
The FDA said it is working with state authorities to monitor the outbreak and track distribution of the shellfish. Consumers who believe they may have eaten the recalled products and develop symptoms are advised to contact a healthcare provider and report their illness to their local health department.
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(Sources: FDA, CBS News)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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