WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Restaurants, food retailers and consumers in California and Washington (and possibly other states) that have recently purchased oysters harvested by Fanny Bay Oysters based in British Columbia, Canada, are being advised by the US Food and Drug Administration not to sell or eat them after a sample tested positive for Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has notified the FDA that Taylor Shellfish Canada Inc. dba Fanny Bay Oysters (BC 0773 SP,WS) has issued a voluntary recall of live oysters due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus test results. The affected oysters are identified with harvest area 14-8, Landfile #278757, and original harvest date of 10/17/2023 with final harvest/process dates of 10/25/2023 and 10/26/2023 on product tags/labeling. The implicated products include Xsmall Sunseeker Oysters with Lot Number 38336 and wet storage lot numbers (W/S Lot #) w72297 and w72240. At this time, it is believed that product was shipped to two (2) U.S. distributors – one (1) in Washington and one (1) in California. Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (October 30, 2023)
There are no known related illnesses as of October 31st.
Oysters with high levels of Vibrio parahaemolyticus can cause illness if eaten raw, and potentially severe illness in people with compromised immune systems. Food containing Vibrio parahaemolyticus may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of Vibrio parahaemolyticus should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local Health Department. Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and bloody diarrhea may be associated with gastroenteritis infections caused by this organism.
AdvertisementClick for more information
AdvertisementClick for more information
The FDA is awaiting further information on distribution of the oysters harvested and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed. US Food and Drug Administration (October 31, 2023)