Oysters Harvested on BC Coast Subject of Recall

Oysters harvested from British Columbia (BC) coastal waters on or before August 18, 2015 may be unsafe for raw consumption due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Hazard classification:: Class 3
Source of recall:: Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Distribution:: National
Extent of the product distribution:: Retail

Ottawa, August 18, 2015 – Industry is recalling oysters harvested from BC coastal waters on or before August 18, 2015 and intended for raw consumption from the marketplace due to possible Vibrio parahaemolyticus contamination. Consumers should not consume and distributors, retailers and food service establishments such as hotels and restaurants should not sell or use the recalled product described below.

This recall applies to oysters sold for raw consumption which may have unacceptable levels of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Consumers who are unsure if they have affected oysters should check with their place of purchase.

What you should do

Check to see if you have recalled product in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. Consumers, retailers and distributors who are unsure if they have purchased affected oysters should contact the location where they were purchased.

Vibrio is a naturally-occurring bacterium that can be present at high levels in coastal waters during periods of increased water temperatures. Most people come in contact with Vibrio by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.

Illnesses can be avoided if shellfish are cooked before being eaten. People with weakened immune systems, young children, pregnant women and older adults are at increased risk for developing complications if they get sick.

Who is affected

There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Background

This recall was triggered by an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled product from the marketplace.

Affected products

Brand name	Common name	Size	Code(s) on product	UPC
Various	Oysters for raw consumption	Various	All product harvested from BC coastal waters on or before August 18, 2015 which may have unacceptable levels of Vibrio parahaemolyticus contamination.	None