State officials report voluntary food recall of certain raw oysters after 5 people get sick in Hawai‘i

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health is warning the public of two food items — raw oysters and frozen fruit — sold in the state that have been voluntarily recalled by manufacturers due to contamination.

According to the health department, five people who consumed the raw oyster shooters at a Hawai‘i restaurant on May 10 got sick. The oysters, exported from Dai One Food Co., Ltd., Republic of Korea, were sent to the Federal Drug Administration for testing. Results detected the presence of norovirus GII in one of the two samples collected.

Dai One Food Co. Ltd. voluntarily recalled Individual Quick Freezing raw oysters, harvested between Feb. 2 and Feb. 4, 2022, and April 13-14, 2022, that were shipped from Korea and distributed to restaurants and retailers in Hawai‘i, Georgia and Minnesota.

The lot numbers affected are: D021031, D021041, and D020481.

The most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Other symptoms include fever headache, and body aches. Most people infected with norovirus begin to develop symptoms 12 to 48 hours after infection. Symptoms usually last one to four days.

Additionally, the health department’s Food and Drug Branch is warning residents of a voluntary recall by Willamette Valley Fruit Co. of Great Value frozen fruit products — sliced strawberries, mixed fruit and antioxidant fruit blend — sold at Walmart, because of the potential presence of hepatitis A.

Guidance from the FDA warns that persons should not consume products contaminated with hepatitis A, a contagious virus that can cause liver disease. Hepatitis A virus infections can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Symptoms of infection include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine and pale stool.

In rare cases, particularly consumers with pre-existing severe illnesses or who are immune compromised, a hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure.

All other types of Great Value frozen fruit products are not affected by this recall.

Customers are urged to check their freezers and throw away or return the recalled product for a refund. Customers with further questions about the products covered by this recall may contact Willamette Valley Fruit Co. at 800-518-9865.

The voluntary recall includes the following lot codes and dates:

Great Value Antioxidant Fruit Blend, 40oz (2lb 8oz) plastic bag, with the following code:

• Lot 4032305; Best By: 8/2/2024

Great Value Mixed Fruit, 64oz (4lb) plastic bag with the following codes:

• Lot: 4024205; Best By: 7/25/2024
• Lot: 4025305; Best By: 7/26/2024
• Lot: 4032305; Best By: 8/2/2024
• Lot: 4033305; Best By: 8/3/2024
• Lot: 4034305; Best By: 8/4/2024
• Lot: 4035305; Best By: 8/5/2024

Great Value Sliced Strawberries, 64oz (4lb) plastic bag with the following codes:

• Lot: 4018305; Best By: 7/19/2024
• Lot: 4019305; Best By: 7/20/2024

Persons who may have consumed the affected product should consult with their health care professional to determine if vaccination is appropriate, and consumers with symptoms of hepatitis A should contact their health care professionals immediately.