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Don’t Eat Some Raw Oysters: FDA Expands Warning After Nearly 200 People Get Sick
The California Department of Public Health warned people not to eat raw oysters from Northwestern Mexico after more than 190 Southern Californians fell ill with gastrointestinal illnesses.
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Chris Graythen
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Getty Images
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California is warning diners to not eat raw oysters from some parts of Northwestern Mexico because they may be contaminated with norovirus.
More than 190 people in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties have already gotten sick after eating raw oysters from:
- Laguna De Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Laguna Manuela, Baja California, Mexico
- Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico
The state suspects oysters from those regions may be contaminated with norovirus, a contagious virus that causes gastrointestinal illness. Food contaminated with norovirus shows no apparent signs; however, when consumed, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping.
“Until the source is confirmed, consumers should be cautious before eating raw oysters due to the potential risk of foodborne illness,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis said in a statement. “If you are sick, avoid spreading illness by washing your hands frequently and cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and kitchen countertops.”
The Food and Drug Administration advised restaurants and food retailers to dispose of oysters from Sociedad Acuicola Golpac that were harvested on Dec. 18, 19, and 27.
A recall notice for Rocky Point oysters harvested in Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico and distributed by EMG Industries was also issued last week. While Kumiai oysters from Laguna De Guerrero Negro and Laguna Manuela have not been recalled, they have been associated with multiple illnesses.
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While a majority of reports seem to come from Southern California, state health officials are urging people — ready to risk it all — to take additional precautions when it comes to ordering raw oysters. They're also encouraging diners to ask restaurants and vendors where the shellfish were harvested from.
If you have fallen ill, L.A. County health officials are urging people to file a report.
Corrected January 18, 2024 at 4:38 PM PST
A previous version of the story misidentified Baja California Sur. We regret the errors.
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