A possible norovirus contamination has led to a recall of certain oysters across three provinces.
On December 21, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that it is recalling certain Taylor Shellfish Canada ULC brand oysters.
“The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible norovirus contamination,” reads the release. “This recall was triggered by findings by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak.”
CFIA is recalling three types of oysters from Taylor Shellfish Canada ULC: Fanny Bay Oysters, Sunseeker Oysters, and Cloudy Bay Oysters.
The multi-province recall comes just days after the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) issued a warning to the public after almost 70 people in BC suffered from stomach illness after consuming oysters.
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BCCDC reported 64 cases of norovirus-like gastrointestinal illness in the Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, and Island Health regions. The CFIA and BCCDC said that the investigation into this outbreak is ongoing and could lead to the recall of other products. The affected products are also being recalled from the marketplace.
Canadians are urged not to consume, use, sell, serve, or distribute recalled products.
The CFIA states, “Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to where they were purchased. Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the affected products are advised to contact their retailer.”
Symptoms of a norovirus infection can develop within 24 to 48 hours of exposure but can start within 12 hours.
Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, low-grade fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. While most people recover within one or two days, in severe cases, patients might need to be hospitalized and given fluids intravenously. Canadians who think they became sick from consuming the recalled product are urged to contact their healthcare provider.