FDA Issues Warning: Oysters from Louisiana Harvest Area 3 Contaminated with Norovirus

FDA Issues Warning: Oysters from Louisiana Harvest Area 3 Contaminated with Norovirus

Published: February 22, 2025
By Garcia Family Medicine

A recent FDA safety alert has raised concerns about the safety of oysters harvested from Louisiana Area 3, with a significant recall in place due to potential norovirus contamination. This warning extends to several states across the country, urging restaurants, retailers, and consumers to take immediate action.

What Happened?

The Louisiana Department of Health issued the recall after confirming that oysters harvested between January 10 and February 4, 2025, from Louisiana’s Area 3 have been linked to a norovirus outbreak. As investigations continue, it has been determined that these contaminated oysters were distributed not only within Louisiana but also to various other states, including Alabama, Florida, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, and several others.

Affected Products

The recalled oysters include those sold for the half-shell market, shucked, frozen, breaded, and post-harvest processed oysters. These were sent to multiple distributors and retailers, and although the primary focus is on the above-mentioned states, they may have been distributed further. Consumers and food service establishments are urged to immediately discard any oysters harvested from Louisiana Area 3 between the specified dates.

The Danger of Norovirus

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe stomach and intestinal illness. The symptoms often include:

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Stomach cramps

• Fever

• Headache

Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last 1 to 3 days. Dehydration is a major risk, especially for vulnerable groups like young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dizziness, and decreased urination, and it’s crucial to seek medical attention if dehydration occurs.

Recommendations for Restaurants and Retailers

If your business has sold or served oysters from Louisiana Area 3 during the specified time frame, it is critical to act quickly. The FDA advises that these oysters not be served or sold. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of any potentially contaminated products immediately or arrange for their destruction with the distributor.

Additionally, businesses should ensure thorough cleaning and sanitizing practices, particularly for surfaces and utensils that came into contact with the oysters, to prevent cross-contamination. Employees should wash hands with warm water and soap after handling these products, and food preparation surfaces should be regularly sanitized.

Recommendations for Consumers

For consumers, the advice is clear: do not consume oysters from Louisiana Area 3 harvested between January 10 and February 4, 2025. If you experience any symptoms of norovirus after eating these oysters, seek medical attention promptly. Reporting your symptoms to your healthcare provider and the local health department can help authorities track and manage the outbreak.

Taking Action

If you suspect you've consumed contaminated oysters, or you wish to report an adverse event, contact the FDA at ShellfishEpi@fda.hhs.gov or visit the FDA's website for more assistance.

Norovirus outbreaks like these highlight the importance of food safety and proper hygiene practices in the kitchen. Restaurants, retailers, and consumers alike must stay vigilant to prevent illness and ensure public health.

Stay updated by following the FDA’s ongoing investigation, as they continue to monitor the situation and provide further alerts.

For further information on how to protect yourself from norovirus, visit the CDC's Norovirus Page.

Stay safe and informed,
Garcia Family Medicine Team

For any concerns or questions regarding this outbreak, feel free to contact us at Garcia Family Medicine. Your health and safety are our priority.