Company voluntarily recalls IQF oysters due to potential norovirus contamination

The Hawai‘i Department of Health Food Safety Branch is notifying the public of the recent Food and Drug Administration advisory regarding certain IQF oysters from the Republic of Korea.

On June 21, the FDA cautioned against selling, serving or consuming the oysters, due to potential norovirus contamination.

The Hawaiʻi DOH advised the FDA of an outbreak of norovirus illnesses associated with the consumption of the affected oysters on June 13. A week later, the ROK advised the FDA that Central Fisheries Co., LTD voluntarily recalled the affected oysters.

A product of Central Fisheries Co. Ltd., the oysters of Lot Code # C-20230228 were harvested on Feb. 28, 2023, from Designated Area No. 2, and have a use-by date of Feb. 28, 2025. The oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in Hawaiʻi and California and possibly other states.

The FDA will continue to monitor the investigation and assist state authorities as needed. As new information becomes available, the FDA will update the safety alert.

Norovirus-contaminated oysters can cause illness to consumers of all ages if eaten, and potentially severe illness in people with compromised immune systems. Foods containing norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal.

Norovirus illness can cause vomiting and diarrhea severe enough to cause dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include a decrease in urination, a dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up. Dehydrated children may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.

Consumers experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider and are encouraged to report any suspected illness related to this recall to the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.