FDA Advises Against Sale of Certain British Columbia Oysters Linked to Norovirus

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting restaurants and retailers not to serve or sell specific oysters harvested in British Columbia due to possible norovirus contamination. On Feb. 3, the Washington State Department of Health notified the FDA of a norovirus-like illness outbreak tied to oysters from Stellar Bay Shellfish Ltd. with harvest dates of Dec. 30, 2025, and Jan. 20, 2026, from harvest area BC 17-20 (Nanoose Bay), CLF #1401656. On Feb. 5, the California Department of Public Health reported a recall involving the same product.

The FDA is continuing to review distribution details and will update its advisory as new information emerges. Businesses should discard affected oysters or coordinate destruction with suppliers and prevent cross-contamination.

Norovirus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fever, and muscle aches within 12–48 hours of exposure. Proper hand washing helps reduce transmission.

16-02-2026