B.C. oyster recall issued across Canada over norovirus concerns

Seafood lovers, beware. A recall notice has been issued for certain Stellar Bay oysters harvested in B.C. over concerns of norovirus.

The recall was issued after a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) investigation, which was triggered by a “foodborne illness outbreak.”

According to the agency, the oysters have been distributed in B.C., Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and potentially other provinces and territories.

The CFIA says there have been illnesses reported by people who consumed the oysters, though the agency did not provide any more details about the cases.

The recall affects Stellar Bay Shellfish’s Kusshi, Kusshi large, and Stellar Bay Gold oyster varieties, harvested is the 14-8 Deep Bay CLF #1411206 area on select days this month.

If you have any of these oysters, you’re asked to either throw them out or return them.

Symptoms of norovirus include a slew of digestive issues. CFIA says people with norovirus illness usually develop symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps, within 24 to 48 hours.

However, the agency notes symptoms can begin as early as 12 hours after you consume the affected product.

“The illness often begins suddenly,” the CFIA explains. “Most people feel better within one or two days, with symptoms resolving on their own, and experience no long-term health effects.”

If you think you’ve gotten sick from consuming a recalled product, you’re told to call your doctor.