The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch has issued a public notification regarding a recent advisory from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning certain IQF oysters from the Republic of Korea. On June 21, 2024, the FDA warned against selling, serving, or consuming these oysters due to potential norovirus contamination.
The affected oysters, produced by Central Fisheries Co. Ltd., are identified by Lot Code #C-20230228. They were harvested on February 28, 2023, from Designated Area No. 2 and have a use-by date of February 28, 2025. These oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in Hawaiʻi and California and possibly other states.
Norovirus-contaminated oysters can cause illness in consumers of all ages and potentially severe illness in individuals with compromised immune systems. Foods containing norovirus may appear normal in look, smell, and taste. Consumers experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and report any suspected illness related to this recall to the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.
Symptoms of norovirus include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches. Symptoms typically develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure and most people recover within one to three days. Severe dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea is a concern, particularly for young children, older adults, and those with other illnesses.
Restaurants and retailers are advised not to serve or sell the potentially contaminated oysters. They should dispose of the products or return them to their distributor for destruction. Additionally, they should be aware that shellfish may be a source of pathogens and take measures to prevent cross-contamination during food processing.
On June 13, the Hawaiʻi DOH informed the FDA about an outbreak of norovirus illnesses linked to these oysters. Subsequently, on June 19, 2024, the Republic of Korea notified the FDA that Central Fisheries Co., Ltd voluntarily recalled the affected oysters.
The FDA will continue monitoring the investigation and provide updates as new information becomes available.
The DOH Food Safety Branch is committed to protecting public health through education and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections where food products are prepared or sold and investigates sources of foodborne illnesses to mitigate future occurrences.