Governor Josh Green, MD | Press Release – DOH Shares FDA Alert on IQF Oysters

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

ORGANIZATION DEPARTMENT

JOSH GREEN, MD
GOVERNOR

THE GOVERNOR

KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
DIRECTOR

THE DIRECTOR

DOH SHARES FDA ALERT FOR IQF OYSTERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 21, 2024 24-085

HONOLULU The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch is informing the public of the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory regarding certain IQF oysters from the Republic of Korea. On June 21, 2024, the FDA warned against selling, serving, or consuming oysters, due to potential norovirus contamination.

Product of Central Fisheries Co. Ltd., the oysters of lot code C-20230228 were harvested from Feb. 28, 2023 from designated zone no. 2, and have a use-by date of Feb. 28, 2025. The oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in Hawaii And Californiaand possibly other states.

The photos below are an example of labeling of products from the oysters concerned.

Oysters contaminated with norovirus can cause illness in consumers of all ages if eaten, and potentially serious illness in people with weakened immune systems. Foods containing norovirus may look, smell and taste normal. Consumers experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider and are encouraged to report any suspected illness related to this recall to DOH Illness Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.

Norovirus symptoms

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 improve within one to three days.

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

If you think you or someone you care for is severely dehydrated, call your health care provider.

Recommendations for Restaurants and Retailers

Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell potentially contaminated oysters. They must dispose of the affected products or return them to their distributor for destruction.

Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that seafood can be a source of pathogens and should control the potential for cross-contamination of food processing equipment and the environment. They must follow the steps below:

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap after the cleaning and sanitation process.
• Retailers, restaurants and other food service operators who have processed and packaged potentially contaminated products should routinely conduct frequent cleaning and disinfection of food contact surfaces and food preparation utensils to minimize contamination crossed.
• Retailers who have sold products in bulk must clean and disinfect all containers used to hold the product.

On June 13, the Hawaii DOH notified the FDA of an outbreak of norovirus illnesses associated with consumption of the affected oysters.

On June 19, 2024, the Republic of Korea informed the FDA that Central Fisheries Co., LTD had voluntarily recalled the affected oysters.

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

The DOH Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawaii residents and visitors through the training of food industry workers and the regulation of food establishments throughout the state. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed or sold.

The branch also investigates the sources of foodborne illnesses and potential adulteration; and is responsible for mitigating the effects of these incidents in order to prevent any future occurrences. Department of Health food safety specialists strive to work with business owners, food service workers and the food industry to ensure safe food preparation practices and sanitary conditions.

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Media Contact:

Christian Wong

Information Specialist

Hawaii State Department of Health

_{[email protected]i.gov}

808-586-4407