FDA issues advisory about a salmonella outbreak and oysters recalled from Publix

Oysters linked to a salmonella outbreak that’s reached at least 12 states were distributed to at least 15 states and the District of Columbia, according to Monday’s FDA and CDC update on the outbreak.

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Here’s more information on the outbreak and the oysters.

What oysters have been recalled?

Little Wicomico Oyster Company has recalled oysters harvested in the Little Wicomico River from Sept. 18 through Oct. 8. These are the same oysters from Little Wicomico that were recalled last week, as the Publix supermarket chain announced on its website.

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These oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers in Florida, North Carolina, California, Missouri, Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Virginia and the District of Columbia, and, the FDA says, “may have been further distributed.”

Naturally, the FDA advises restaurants not to serve the recalled oysters, retail stores not to sell them and customers not to eat them. Wash and sanitize any surfaces the oysters touch.

If you have questions about the recall, call or email Little Wicomico Oyster Company at 804-436-5671 or [email protected].

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“Virginia Department of Health has also temporarily closed the Little Wicomico River harvest area as a precaution. Little Wicomico Oyster Company has stopped harvesting from the affected area and is cooperating with public health officials,” the CDC said. “Oysters harvested from other Virginia growing areas are not part of this recall.”

What states has the salmonella outbreak reached?

According to the CDC, this salmonella outbreak has infected at least 27 people, five of whom were hospitalized, in 12 states. Pennsylvania has the most ill people (eight), followed by New York (four). Virginia has three. Colorado, Maryland and Indiana each have two. Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, Connecticut, Iowa and New Jersey each have one person.

“This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported,” the CDC said. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella.”

What is salmonella?

Salmonella is a foodborne illness that the CDC estimates hits 1.35 million in the United States each year. Most infected people suffer through four to seven days of fever, stomachaches and diarrhea without needing to visit a hospital or urgent care facility. But the CDC does advise that if the fever gets over 102 degrees, the diarrhea gets bloody or the sick person can’t keep liquids down.

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