Oysters Causing Norovirus in Florida, Other States

Many people enjoy eating seafood such as oysters. While we expect that they will be sold at stores and cooked properly in restaurants without any issues, sometimes problems do occur. Food may need to be recalled due to food poisoning or other illnesses.

This recently happened with oysters sold and served in Florida and 11 other states. The oysters, from Norm Bloom and Son, have been recalled due to norovirus. They were harvested from Westport, CT on February 20, 2024. They have been identified as lot 207.

The oyster recall affects restaurants and food retailers in Florida, as well as Connecticut, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Maine, Texas, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. It is possible that the oysters may have been distributed to other states as well.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture recently recalled the oysters because they are associated with a norovirus outbreak in Minnesota. The oysters may be contaminated with norovirus. The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell the recalled oysters. Consumers should not eat the affected oysters. They should dispose of any products by throwing them in the garbage or returning them to their distributor for destruction.

Restaurants and retailers can do their part to prevent the spread of diseases through contaminated food. They should follow the steps below:

• Wash hands with warm water and soap after touching oysters.
• Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators who have processed and packaged any potentially contaminated products need to be concerned about cross-contamination of cutting surfaces and utensils.
• Retailers that have sold bulk products should clean and sanitize the containers used to hold the product.
• Regular frequent cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces and utensils used in food preparation can minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination.

Shellfish contaminated with norovirus can cause illness if eaten. Norovirus can lead to potentially severe illness in people with compromised immune systems. Food containing norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal.

People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus, although the illness may be more severe for young children and the elderly. The most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Other symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches.

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within three days. Norovirus illness can cause excessive vomiting or diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

The foods we eat can sometimes become contaminated during manufacturing. This can lead to serious illnesses. In severe cases, even death can result.

A Tampa product liability attorney from Moore Law can help you get results. We take an aggressive stance toward defendants and are dedicated to achieving successful results on behalf of our clients. To schedule a free consultation, call 813-510-5400 or fill out the online form.

Source:

foodpoisonjournal.com/food-poisoning-information/warning-issued-due-to-norovirus-in-oysters/