Raw oysters shipped to Massachusetts from Canada could be contaminated with norovirus, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned.
“The FDA has confirmed that potentially contaminated raw oysters harvested in the south and central parts of Baynes Sound, British Columbia, Canada, were distributed to restaurants and retailers,” the FDA said in a statement.
The oysters were distributed to 12 states, including the commonwealth. Although, other states could have also received them through further distribution, the FDA warned.
“Food contaminated with norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal,” the FDA said.
Common symptoms of norovirus infection include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain. But other symptoms can include fever, headache and body ache.
Symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus, the FDA said. And most people get better within one to three days.
The FDA suggested restaurants and retailers don’t sell the oysters and that people who “become ill from eating possibly contaminated raw oysters should talk to their health care providers.”
Heather Morrison, masslive.com