Something you purchased has been recalled. What does that mean?
What happens if something you purchase is recalled? Is it voluntary or mandatory? And what does it mean for you?
Oysters and Manila clams sold in nine states have been recalled because they may be contaminated with norovirus, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.
According to a safety advisory issued by the FDA on Monday, March 9, the clams harvested by the Lummi Indian Business Council from February 13 to March 3 and the oysters harvested by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company from February 13 to March 3 were distributed from Washington to restaurants and retailers across the country.
The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell the recalled products and to throw them away. Consumers should not eat the recalled oysters or clams.
“Eating shellfish contaminated with norovirus or raw live mollusk shellfish, such as oysters or clams, can cause illness and can cause serious illness in people with compromised immune systems,” the FDA said in the notice. “Food containing norovirus may look, smell and taste normal.”
Norovirus infections can affect people of all ages. According to the FDA, the most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Here’s what you need to know about salvaged oysters and clams.
Where did the collected oysters and clams go?
The recovered oysters and clams were distributed to the following states:
- arizona
- California
- florida
- georgia
- illinois
- nevada
- new york
- Oregon
- washington
What is norovirus?
Norovirus, commonly known as gastroenteritis, is a leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea caused by inflammation of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis), according to the CDC.
The virus is also the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, accounting for 58% of illnesses.
What should I do if I get infected with norovirus from collected oysters or clams?
According to the FDA, anyone who believes they have been exposed to norovirus from recalled food should contact their doctor or health care provider and report their illness to their local health department.
What symptoms do you get if you get norovirus?
According to the Minnesota Department of Health and the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of norovirus infection include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- Less urination or dark colored urine
- dry mouth
- I feel weak
- dizziness
Less common symptoms include:
- low-grade fever or chills
- headache
- muscle pain
Symptoms typically appear 12 to 24 hours after contracting the virus and last one to three days, according to the FDA. People with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill if they contract the virus.
Elderly people and children are most affected by norovirus
Although anyone can contract the virus, certain age groups are more severely affected than others.
According to the CDC, children under the age of 5 and people over the age of 85 are most likely to visit an outpatient or emergency department.
The virus is responsible for about 1 million pediatric health care visits, according to the CDC.
Julia Gomez is USA TODAY’s trends reporter, covering popular toys, scientific research, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamariegz or email jgomez@gannett.com..
