Hailey Waldo
Reporter@greenepublishing.com
A recent seafood recall affecting nine states has raised concerns in Florida, where potentially contaminated clams were distributed to restaurants and retailers, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall involved Manila clams and raw oysters harvested in Drayton Harbor, Wash. between Friday, Feb. 13 and Tuesday, March 3. Federal officials say the shellfish may be contaminated with norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes gastrointestinal illness.
Florida is among the states impacted, along with Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon and Washington. While the oysters were primarily distributed within Washington, the recalled clams were shipped across state lines, including to Florida.
Health officials warn that norovirus can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever and body aches. Illness typically develops within 12 to 48 hours after exposure, and can last several days.
The FDA has urged restaurants and food retailers in Florida to immediately stop serving or selling the affected shellfish and to properly dispose of any remaining products. Consumers are also advised not to eat raw oysters or clams from the identified harvest dates and source.
One of the challenges with this type of contamination is that affected shellfish may appear normal, with no unusual smell, taste or appearance, making it difficult to detect without proper tracing.
Officials recommend that anyone in Florida who believes they may have consumed contaminated shellfish and is experiencing symptoms contact a healthcare provider and report their illness to local health authorities.
As the investigation continues, the FDA says it will provide updates as more information becomes available.