Urgent Recall: Frozen Oysters Linked to Widespread Norovirus Outbreak Across 18 States

A critical health alert has been issued nationwide as two popular brands of frozen oysters, Aqua Star and Kirkland Signature, face an urgent recall due to potential norovirus contamination. Distributed by C.P. Foods, Inc., this recall casts a shadow of concern over seafood lovers in at least 18 states, urging consumers to immediately check their freezers and prioritize public health.

The affected products include Kirkland Signature Pacific Rim Frozen Cooked Cocktail Oysters, identifiable by Lot Number 1125 and originating from Korea.

Additionally, Aqua Star "Cooked Cocktail Oyster", also a product of Korea, with Lot Numbers 1109 and 1120, has been pulled from shelves. These contaminated oysters were distributed across a vast network of states including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, often manifesting with severe gastrointestinal distress.

Symptoms typically include sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, often accompanied by fever, headache, and body aches. These unpleasant symptoms usually appear within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and, while recovery often occurs within one to three days, the illness can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems due to dehydration risk.

The swift action to recall these products underscores the serious threat norovirus poses.

Consumers who have purchased any of the implicated frozen oysters are strongly advised against consumption. Instead, they should immediately discard the product or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. This measure is crucial not only for personal safety but also to prevent further spread of the highly transmissible virus within communities.

Public health officials and the distributor are working diligently to ensure all contaminated products are removed from circulation.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety vigilance, especially when consuming seafood. Staying informed about recalls and adhering to safe food handling practices are paramount in protecting individual and public health from such unforeseen outbreaks.