The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a serious public health advisory concerning the consumption of certain shellfish harvested from Oregon and Washington. These shellfish may be contaminated with paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), which can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), a potentially life-threatening illness.
Affected Shellfish
- Oregon: Oysters and clams harvested from Netarts Bay and Tillamook Bay on or after May 28th, 2024.
- Washington: All shellfish species harvested from specific areas of Willapa Bay between May 26th and May 30th, 2024, including Stony Point, Bay Center, and Bruceport.
Distribution
The potentially contaminated shellfish may have been distributed to restaurants and retailers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
What Is Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)?
Symptoms of PSP can appear within minutes to hours after consuming contaminated shellfish. Early signs include tingling or numbness around the mouth and lips, progressing to muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, paralysis and death.
The FDA's Public Health Recommendations
- Restaurants and Retailers: Do not serve or sell shellfish harvested from the aforementioned areas and dates in Oregon and Washington.
- Consumers: Discard any shellfish from these areas and dates in your possession. Do not consume them.
- Individuals experiencing symptoms: Seek immediate medical attention and report your symptoms to your local health department.
This Is The Second FDA Warning Regarding Oysters This Year
In January the FDA issued a warning regarding raw oysters harvested from specific areas in Mexico. The concern stemmed from a potential norovirus contamination linked to a cluster of illnesses reported in Southern California. While the FDA warning focused on Mexican oysters, it serves as a reminder to be cautious with any raw shellfish and to check for potential advisories before consuming them.
Further Information
For more information on this public health advisory and PSP, please visit the FDA website.
