Oysters recalled in 3 provinces over norovirus concerns 

Certain oysters have been recalled in three provinces after a suspected outbreak of norovirus in British Columbia left dozens of people sick.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued the recall for lots of Fanny Bay, Sunseeker and Cloudy Bay oysters sold by Taylor Shellfish Canada ULC.

The recall covers Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.

While talking about the development, CFIA said: “The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible norovirus contamination.”

According to information gathered, most of the affected oysters were harvested and processed in early December, though some may have been harvested as early as November 27.

The CFIA said it is carrying out a food safety investigation, which may lead to other products being recalled.

Canadians have been urged not to consume the recalled oysters and to discard or take them back to where they were bought.

Those who fell sick after eating the recalled oysters should seek medical attention.

The recall took place after dozens of people in B.C. recently fell ill after eating raw oysters.

The BC Centre for Disease Control recently posted a warning that 64 cases of a “norovirus-like” gastrointestinal illnesses were reported in the province after people ate raw oysters from restaurants and local retailers between November 1 and December 18.

Health authorities said some people went to emergency departments with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting or stomach pain, but there have been no hospital admissions reported.

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that trigger stomach issues like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and cramps. They spread through contact with infected people’s stool or vomit.

Public Health Agency of Canada revealed that some foods can get contaminated right from the start — like oysters, which can pick up norovirus from sewage in the water before they’re harvested.

The CFIA said symptoms of Norovirus can start as early as 12 hours after exposure but can take 24 to 48 hours to develop.

The agency added that though most people who contract the virus recover within a couple of days, some complicated cases may require hospitalization and intravenous injection.