Restaurants and Food Retailers are advised not to sell or serve Sociedad Acuicola GolPac (MX 06 SP) as they may be contaminated with Norovirus

 

According to the Monterey County Health Department, the US Food and Drug Administration along with state and local health officials are advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of oysters from Sociedad Acuicola GolPac (MX 06 SP) harvested from Bahia Salina, Sonora, Mexico on December 18, 2023 or December 27, 2023 because they may be contaminated with norovirus. The oysters consumed go by a common name of “Rocky Point oysters”.  

On January 10, 2024, the California Department of Public Health notified the FDA of an outbreak of Norovirus in San Diego County, CA that has been linked to consumption of oysters tracing back to a specific harvest location in Mexico. An investigation is ongoing, and the number of illnesses is being tracked. 

Mexican Shellfish Authorities have initiated an investigation into the source of the illnesses and have closed the Bahia Salina growing area to harvest on January 12, 2024. 

Oysters contaminated with norovirus can cause illness if eaten raw, and potentially severe illness in people with compromised immune systems. Food containing norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal.  

People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus. The most common symptoms of norovirus are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Other symptoms include fever, headache, and body ache. 

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days. 

If you have norovirus illness, you can feel extremely ill, and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day. This can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. Children who are dehydrated may cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy. 

If you think you or someone you are caring for is severely dehydrated, call your healthcare provider. 

Recommendations for Restaurants and Retailers 

Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell the potentially contaminated oysters. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of any products by throwing them in the garbage or returning them to their distributor for destruction. 

Restaurants and retailers should also be aware that shellfish may be a source of pathogens and should control the potential for cross-contamination of food processing equipment and the food processing environment. They should follow the steps below: 

    Wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process. 

    Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators who have processed and packaged any potentially contaminated products need to be concerned about cross-contamination of cutting surfaces and utensils through contact with the potentially contaminated products. 

    Retailers that have sold bulk product should clean and sanitize the containers used to hold the product. 

    Regular frequent cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces and utensils used in food preparation may help to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination. 

Recommendations for Consumers 

Consumers should not eat the potentially contaminated oysters. Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. 

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More information:

    FDA Advisory: FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Certain Oysters from Bahia Salina in Sonora, Mexico Potentially Contaminated with Norovirus | FDA