The FDA advises against eating, cooking, or selling certain lots of frozen, raw, half-shell oysters. The affected lots, B231126, B240103, and B240214, were processed by JBR (KR 15 SP) in Tongyeongsi, Republic of Korea, on Nov. 27, 2023, Jan. 4, 2024, and Feb. 15, 2024, and were sent to distributors in California. These lots may be contaminated with norovirus.
Frozen oysters have a long shelf life, so restaurants, other businesses, and consumers should check their freezers for these oysters.
Additionally, JBR (KR-15-SP) is recalling lot number B231227 of frozen half-shell oysters, as they may also be contaminated with norovirus. These oysters were harvested from ROK Designated Area No. 1 on Dec. 27, 2023, and processed on Dec. 28, 2023. Khee Trading, Inc. distributed them in Compton, California, and they could be in different locations in multiple states according to probable extent. JC Foods Inc. has recalled lot number B231227 as well as distributed it in Utah; it is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Oysters distributed in California, Colorado, Nevada, New Jersey, and Utah should not be eaten or sold by retailers and consumers. The FDA is coordinating interstate notifications while inquiries continue.
Norovirus infection symptoms may involve such cases as vomiting, nausea, muscle aches, fever as well and headache. Symptoms normally appear from 12 to 48 hours after the infection has occurred and may last for one to three days in length. Thus, some may require medical attention due to dehydration, although in most cases, the patients recover with no intervention.
Make sure you wash your hands carefully with soap and warm water after using the bathroom or changing diapers in order to prevent the virus from spreading. Use soap and water to maintain toilets’ cleanliness after being used and disinfect hard surfaces using bleach (1/3 cup of bleach to a gallon of water). Wash clothes and bedding in hot, soapy water. Steam-clean any non-washable soft objects.
Understanding the Risks and Safety Measures
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is recognized by its unpleasant symptoms, including vomit, diarrhea, and stomach pains; some individuals also have sore muscles or run a fever when the infection gets serious. The FDA warning on JBR oysters, because of how bad this type of infection can be, is quite serious.
The possibility of outbreaks originating from distributed lots is relatively high. Such an event would be particularly grave because fresh oysters can keep for a long time in frozen form and there are likely some still left in the refrigerator. Henceforth, it is essential for all restaurants operating as well as ordinary consumers in general, whether they might have purchased the commodities or might have them in their possession elsewhere—even outside their country—to make a thorough inspection to get rid of all possible contaminated items among them; this will help keep norovirus at bay – according to strict hygienic rules given by FDA is 90%.
It’s useful to recognize the wider picture of safety for seafood in addition to known data. Because of how raw products are handled and processed, the fish sector will always struggle with safety issues surrounding their products staying intact throughout the production process. The FDA continually updates its guidelines and resources for both consumers and businesses, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in food safety practices.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers extensive information on norovirus symptoms and prevention.
From The Club
As far as I know, JBR is a well-respected name in the seafood industry, and with the recent recalls, it would be a challenge for them, especially if it is food-related. But the thing here is, we, as consumers, would be best to stay updated and informed of the following practices, such as checking our food from time to time. I mean, double-checking our stored food to see if it’s still in good condition is nothing big. Keep safe, everyone!