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Story and file photo by Miriam RafteryJune 11, 2024 (San Diego) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers, restaurants and food retailers not to eat, serve or sell oysters, clams and other shellfish recently harvested from specific areas in Oregon and Washington due to contamination with a toxin that causes paralytic poisoning, which can cause death quickly if untreated, especially in children.
The potentially contaminated items include:
- Oysters and bay clams from Netarts Bay or Tillamook Bay, Oregon harvested on or after May 28
- All shellfish from growing areas in Willapa Bay or Stony Point Washington harvested between May 26 and 30
- All shellfish harvested in Bay Center, WA May 29-30
- All shellfish harvested in Bruceport, WA May 29-30
The shellfish was distributed in at least 9 states, including California.
Contamination of mollusks/shellfish can occur due to toxic algae in the waters. The contaminated shellfish may look, smell and taste normal. They cannot be removed by cooking or freezing.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning can cause symptoms quickly, within 30 minutes, including numbness of arms and legs, mouth tingling, shortness of breath, respiratory paralysis, dizziness, headache vomiting, loss of muscle coordination and more.
Immediate emergency medical treatment including respiratory support and fluid therapy is vital. Death can result from asphyxiation. However, patients who survive for 24 hours have a good prognosis, usually without lasting side effects. Due to the range in severity of illness, people should consult their healthcare provider if they suspect that they have developed symptoms that resemble paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Avoid handling any potentially contaminated shellfish and thoroughly clean any surfaces they have touched. Discard any shellfish listed above in plastic to avoid any person or animal from accidentally ingesting the products, or return them to the retailer.
To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can:
- Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
- Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
- Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/fcic for additional consumer and industry assistance.
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