The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) reported on May 17, 2007, that the Food and Drug Administration notified the Department of Environmental Management that a sample of oysters collected from Bridgeport Seafood was positive for norovirus and other evidence of sewage contamination.
An investigation by the Departments of Health and Environmental Management revealed that the oysters were harvested from unclassified shellfish waters by a single harvester who sold all his shellfish to one distributor.
HEALTH has since been informed that there were other harvesters who obtained oysters from the same unclassified area, which were sold to another distributor, American Mussel. Based on this information a recall of all oysters labeled as ?Rhode Island Wild Oysters? harvested from Area 5 has been issued. This recall does not extend to all oysters or shellfish from Area 5, only oysters with this specific label are affected by the recall.
American Mussel had purchased the product in good faith. When informed of the recall they acted immediately to contact the establishments that purchased these oysters from them over the last four weeks.
Shellfish harvested in certified waters are safe to consume. No illnesses have been reported.
Norovirus infection can cause symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Severe illness or hospitalization is uncommon. Infected persons usually recover in 2 to 3 days without serious or long-term health effects. Symptoms occur 1 to 2 days after swallowing contaminated food or water. Good personal hygiene (proper and frequent handwashing) and staying home when you are sick are the best ways to prevent the spread of norovirus. No illnesses have been reported at this time.