U.S. health officials have issued a recall of several types of raw shellfish across nine states following concerns of contamination by norovirus, a leading cause of foodborne illness linked to raw seafood.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned restaurants and retailers in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington to stop selling recently harvested shellfish as a precautionary measure. Consumers in Washington who purchased these products were also advised to avoid consumption immediately. The shellfish were collected between February 23 and March 3, 2026.
Norovirus can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, and in some cases, intense vomiting may lead to rib fractures. Experts note that contaminated shellfish may appear normal in shape, smell, and taste, making it difficult to detect without testing.
Approximately 20 million Americans are affected by norovirus annually, leading to millions of medical visits. The virus spreads through contaminated food, surfaces, or contact with vomit or feces, with symptoms typically appearing within 12 to 48 hours. Severe complications may occur, particularly among the elderly.
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