Norovirus Outbreak Prompts ASSI Brand Oyster Recall
A norovirus outbreak that has sickened at least three people in Washington state has prompted a recall of ASSI brand frozen, shucked oyster meat from Korea.
Korean Farms of Sante Fe Springs, Calif., the distributor, is recalling three-pound bags of frozen, shucked oyster meat labeled ASSI Brand “INDIVIDUALLY QUICK FROZEN OYSTER” with a “Better if Used By” date of “2013.02.232.”
The bags were distributed to eight states: Washington, California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Alaska, Idaho, and Utah in boxes of 10 bags each with the lot number C-110223, appearing on each shipping carton , along with a “SHUCKED DATE: 2011.02.24.Some of the oysters were served in a Washington state restaurant where three diners who ate them became ill.
Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). The most common symptoms are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. The illness often begins suddenly and norovirus can make people feel extremely ill with frequent vomiting and diarrhea. Most people get better within 1 to 2 days. Dehydration can be a problem among some people with norovirus infection, especially the very young, the elderly, and people with other illnesses.
Norovirus is highly contagious. People with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days and perhaps for as long as 2 weeks after recovery, making control of this disease difficult. Norovirus can spread quickly in settings such as day care centers or nursing homes. Health officials urge anyone with these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.
