Federal health officials are warning consumers and restaurants to steer clear of certain clams and oysters after a recall was issued over potential contamination with norovirus.
According to FOX Business, the Food and Drug Administration announced Monday that the shellfish may carry the highly contagious virus, which causes gastrointestinal illness often referred to as the stomach flu.
The recall includes Manila clams harvested by the Lummi Indian Business Council and raw oysters harvested by the Drayton Harbor Oyster Company. Both products were collected between Feb. 13 and March 3 in Drayton Harbor, Washington.
Officials say the clams were distributed to restaurants and food retailers across multiple states.
According to the FDA, the affected shipments reached Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington, though the agency noted they may have been sent elsewhere as well.
The oysters, meanwhile, were distributed within Washington state.
The recall was triggered after the Washington State Department of Health alerted federal regulators to the potential contamination last week.
Health officials are now urging businesses and consumers not to serve or eat the affected shellfish.
The FDA said restaurants and retailers “should dispose of any products by throwing them in the garbage or contacting their distributor to arrange for destruction.”
Officials also warned food handlers to take extra precautions to avoid cross-contamination in kitchens and food preparation areas.
“Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that shellfish may be a source of pathogens and should control the potential for cross-contamination of food processing equipment and the food processing environment,” the agency said in its alert.
Norovirus infections can occur even when contaminated food appears normal.
The FDA cautioned that food containing the virus may “look, smell and taste normal” despite posing a risk of illness.
Symptoms typically begin within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headaches and body aches.
Most people recover within one to three days, but health officials note that severe illness can occur in certain individuals.
People of all ages can become infected with norovirus, though those with weakened immune systems may face more serious complications.
Anyone who consumed the recalled shellfish and develops symptoms is urged to contact a healthcare provider and notify their local health department.
The FDA said it is continuing to investigate the distribution of the recalled clams and oysters and will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
