The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a critical public health warning regarding certain oysters harvested from British Columbia, Canada. These oysters, which were distributed to restaurants and retailers across at least 10 U.S. states, may be contaminated with norovirus, a highly contagious virus known to cause severe gastrointestinal illness.

Norovirus is recognized as the most common cause of foodborne illness in the United States. Consumption of contaminated oysters can lead to a range of unpleasant and severe stomach symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. The FDA's warning follows multiple reports of illness linked to these specific shellfish.

Consumers, retailers, and restaurants are urged to exercise extreme caution and verify the origin of their oysters. The affected oysters can be precisely identified by the following details: They were harvested by Stellar Bay Shellfish Ltd. from British Columbia, Canada. The specific brands include Kusshi, Chrome Point, Stellar Bay, and Stellar Bay Gold. The harvest area is designated as BC 17-20 (Nanoose Bay), with a CLF number of #1401656. The harvest dates for these potentially contaminated oysters fall between December 22, 2025, and February 4, 2026.

The distribution of these oysters has been confirmed in California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The FDA has also noted that there is a possibility that these oysters may have been distributed to additional states beyond this initial list.

Anyone who has purchased or received these specific oysters is advised not to consume them. If an individual believes they have consumed contaminated oysters, it is crucial to monitor for the aforementioned symptoms of norovirus. Should symptoms develop, contact a healthcare provider immediately and report the illness to the local Health Department to assist in tracking and preventing further spread of the contamination.