The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning restaurants and retailers not to serve or sell certain oysters from British Columbia due to norovirus contamination.
On February 3, the Washington Department of Public Health notified the FDA of an outbreak of norovirus-like illness associated with oysters from Stellar Bay Shellfish Ltd., Canada, with original harvest dates of December 30, 2025 and January 20, 2026, in harvest area BC 17-20 (Nanoose Bay) CLF #1401656, British Columbia, Canada.
On February 5, the California Department of Public Health recommended the following to the FDA: recall in certain oysters due to reports of norovirus-like illnesses. This recall covers oysters from Stellar Bay Shellfish Ltd., Canada, from the same harvest area and with the same harvest date.
FDA is awaiting additional information regarding oyster distribution and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed. The FDA will update the safety warning as new information becomes available.
Restaurants and retailers must dispose of all products by throwing them in the trash or contacting their distributor to make disposal arrangements.
Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that shellfish can be a source of pathogens and control the potential for cross-contamination of food processing equipment and the food processing environment.
About norovirus infection
Food and drinks contaminated with norovirus may not look or smell unpleasant, but they can cause serious illness. Anyone who consumes raw oysters and develops symptoms should seek medical attention.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of norovirus infection may include vomiting and/or diarrhea, nausea, muscle pain, fever, and headache. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure and may last 1 to 3 days. Most people recover without treatment, but some may require treatment due to dehydration.
People with norovirus can easily spread the infection to others. Viruses can live on surfaces for a long time.
To avoid making others sick, always wash your hands carefully with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
