Search Here

Federal health officials have issued a recall for certain raw oysters and Manila clams after concerns they may be contaminated with norovirus, a highly contagious illness often called the stomach flu.

The alert was announced Monday by the US Food and Drug Administration, which warned restaurants, retailers, and consumers not to sell, serve, or eat the affected shellfish.

The agency said the products may cause illness even if they appear safe.

The recall involves Manila clams harvested by the Lummi Indian Business Council and raw oysters harvested by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company.

Both types of shellfish were collected between Feb. 13 and March 3 from waters in Drayton Harbor in Washington, CBS News reported.

According to the FDA, the Manila clams were distributed to restaurants and food retailers across several states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Officials also warned that additional states may have received shipments.

The oysters were sold to consumers within Washington state.

"The FDA is issuing this alert advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and consumers not to eat certain raw oysters harvested by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, and Manila clams harvested by Lummi Indian Business Council," the agency said in its notice.

FDA Urges Disposal of Shellfish

Health officials emphasized that food contaminated with norovirus may not show obvious warning signs. The FDA said products may still "look, smell and taste normal," even if they carry the virus.

Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines and spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or direct contact with an infected person.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the illness is one of the most common causes of stomach-related sickness in the United States.

Typical symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.

Some people may also experience fever, headaches, or body aches. Most patients begin to feel sick about 12 to 48 hours after exposure and usually recover within one to three days, FoxBusiness reported.

While the illness often clears up quickly, officials warn it can be more serious for people with weakened immune systems.

The recall began after the Washington State Department of Health notified the FDA about potential contamination concerns linked to shellfish harvested from Drayton Harbor.

The FDA urged restaurants and retailers to dispose of any affected shellfish immediately or contact their suppliers to arrange proper destruction.

Businesses were also reminded to carefully clean equipment and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination in kitchens or food preparation areas.

Consumers who may have eaten the recalled shellfish and are experiencing symptoms are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider and report their illness to their local health department.