FDA issues warning on oysters potentially contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni
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WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration is asking businesses to avoid either selling or buying certain oysters from Lewis Bay, Massachusetts, over fears that the seafood could be contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni.
The advisory affects restaurants and retailers in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania who purchased the oysters from July 1 to July 18.
The move comes after the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries closed an oyster site after an outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni illnesses associated with consumption of oysters from two lease sites in Lewis Bay.
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Two certified dealers, Chatham Shellfish Co. and Island Creek Oysters, recalled the oysters.
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Restaurants and retailers are being advised not to serve the potentially contaminated oysters and dispose of them.
They should also heed to the following steps:
- 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 should clean and sanitize cutting and preparation surfaces and utensils.
- Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators who have processed and packaged any potentially contaminated Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators who have processed and packaged any potentially contaminated products should clean and sanitize cutting and preparation surfaces and utensils.
- 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.
What is Campylobacter illness?
According to the FDA, people with Campylobacter jejuni illness can experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Nausea and vomiting may also accompany the symptoms.
Health officials say the symptoms can start two to five days after a person ingests Campylobacter bacteria and last about one week.
The FDA advises people who are experiencing symptoms to seek medical help.
This story was reported from Los Angeles.