Union Bay Seafood Ltd. is recalling certain Union Bay Seafood Ltd. brand Pacific Oysters because of possible norovirus contamination and a link to an outbreak of norovirus infections that has reached into the United States.
This recall was triggered by findings by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, as of March 30, there have been 279 cases of norovirus and gastrointestinal illness linked to consumption of B.C. oysters reported in the following provinces: B.C. (262), Alberta (1), Saskatchewan (1), and Ontario (15).
As of April 6, there were 103 illnesses reported from 13 U.S. states, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The recalled products have been sold in British Columbia and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.
Recalled products:
| Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Codes |
| Union Bay Seafood Ltd. | Pacific Oysters – Chef Creek Xs | Variable | None | Harvest Date: 17 Mar.2022 Process Date: 18 Mar.2022 Harvest Location: BC 14-15 Landfile: 1400036 Lot: 20220318C |
| Union Bay Seafood Ltd. | Pacific Oysters – Royal Miyagi xsm | Variable | None | Harvest Date: 17 Mar.2022 Process Date: 18 Mar.2022 Harvest Location: BC 14-15 Landfile: 1400036 Lot: 20220318C |
Consumers, retailers and restaurant owners should check to see if they have the recalled products in their homes or establishments. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.
Recent oyster recalls
- More oysters recalled in Canada as investigation into norovirus outbreak continues
- Pacific Rim Shellfish Corporation recalls oysters as norovirus investigation continues
- More shellfish recalled as CFIA investigates norovirus outbreak
- Company recalls oysters linked to outbreak of norovirus; dozens affected
- Stellar Bay Shellfish recalls more oysters over norovirus contamination
About norovirus infections
People with norovirus illness usually develop symptoms of gastroenteritis within 24 to 48 hours, but symptoms can start as early as 12 hours after exposure. The virus can live on surfaces for long periods of time and survives freezing temperatures. It is highly contagious.
The illness often begins suddenly. Even after having the illness, you can still become re-infected by norovirus. The main symptoms of norovirus illness are diarrhea, vomiting (children usually experience more vomiting than adults), nausea and stomach cramps.
Other symptoms may include low-grade fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and fatigue (a general sense of tiredness). Most people feel better within one or two days, with symptoms resolving on their own, and experience no long-term health effects. As with any illness causing diarrhea or vomiting, people who are ill should drink plenty of liquids to replace lost body fluids and prevent dehydration. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and given fluids intravenously.
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