Federal health officials are warning consumers and restaurants about a recall involving certain oysters and clams distributed in New York and eight other states after concerns they may be contaminated with norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus that sickens millions of Americans each year.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the alert, saying the shellfish may have been distributed to restaurants and retail locations in New York, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
The warning applies to oysters harvested by Washington-based Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. and Manila clams harvested by the Lummi Indian Business Council between Feb. 13 and March 3.
Officials did not say how many oysters or clams may be affected, but an investigation is ongoing in coordination with Washington state health authorities.
The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell the recalled products. Consumers who may have purchased the shellfish are urged not to eat them.
Instead, the agency recommends disposing of the products in the garbage or contacting the distributor to arrange for their destruction. Health officials also warned that cross-contamination is possible if the recalled shellfish came into contact with kitchen equipment, surfaces or other foods during preparation.
Norovirus is a common cause of foodborne illness and spreads easily through contaminated food or surfaces. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.
While most people recover within a few days, the illness can be more severe for older adults, young children and people with compromised immune systems.
The FDA noted that foods contaminated with norovirus may appear completely normal, meaning they may look, smell and taste safe even when they are not.