FDA Issues Warning for Oysters from Prince Edward Island, Canada Due to Salmonella and E. coli

FDA issued Health Warning about imported oysters from Canada due to potential Salmonella and E. coli.  According to the report, "On 10/10/2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tested oysters and discovered the presence of Salmonella and unacceptable levels of generic E. coli. On 10/18/2023, the CFIA informed the FDA of the testing results from the contaminated product. Canada is investigating the cause of the food safety problem. Future Seafoods, Inc. has not yet initiated a recall."


https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-restaurants-and-retailers-not-serve-or-sell-and-consumers-not-eat-oysters-future
FDA Advises Restaurants and Retailers Not to Serve or Sell and Consumers Not to Eat Oysters from Future Seafoods, Inc., Potentially Contaminated with Salmonella and E. coli

10/20/2023

The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to sell and to dispose of oysters and consumers not to eat oysters from Future Seafoods, Inc. (PE 4217 SP), Prince Edward Island, Canada, from harvest area PE9B on 10/10/2023, and shipped on 10/10/2023 to importers in FL, MA, MD, ME, PA, and VA, due to the possible presence of Salmonella and E. coli.

Audience
Restaurants and food retailers in Florida (FL), Massachusetts (MA), Maryland (MD), Maine (ME), Pennsylvania (PA), and Virginia (VA) that have recently purchased oysters harvested from Future Seafoods, Inc. (PE 4217 SP) based in Bedeque, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Consumers who have recently purchased oysters from Future Seafoods, Inc. (PE 4217 SP) in FL, MA, MD, ME, PA, or VA.

Product

Oysters from Future Seafoods, Inc. (PE 4217 SP), Prince Edward Island, Canada, harvested on 10/10/2023 from harvest area PE9B, and distributed to restaurants and retailers in FL, MA, MD, ME, PA, and VA.

Purpose

The FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to sell and to dispose of oysters and consumers not to eat oysters from Future Seafoods, Inc. (PE 4217 SP), Prince Edward Island, Canada, from harvest area PE9B on 10/10/2023, and shipped on 10/10/2023 to importers in FL, MA, MD, ME, PA, and VA, due to the possible presence of Salmonella and E. coli.

Contaminated oysters can cause illness if eaten raw, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Food contaminated with Salmonella and E. coli may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of salmonellosis or E. coli should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local Health Department.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection

Most people infected with Salmonella will begin to develop symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness, salmonellosis, usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment.

Most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.

Due to the range in severity of illness, people should consult their healthcare provider if they suspect that they have developed symptoms that resemble a Salmonella infection.

Symptoms of E. coli infection

E. coli are mostly harmless bacteria that live in the intestines of people and animals and contribute to intestinal health. However, eating or drinking food or water contaminated with certain types of E. coli can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal illness. Some types of pathogenic (illness-causing) E. coli, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), can be life-threatening.

People infected with pathogenic E. coli can start to notice symptoms anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food or as much as nine days later. Generally, the symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.

The severity or presence of certain symptoms may depend on the type of pathogenic E. coli causing the infection. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and lead to life-threatening conditions, such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), or the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems. Other infections may have no symptoms or may resolve without medical treatment within five to seven days.

Due to the range in severity of illness, people should consult their health care provider if they suspect that they have developed symptoms that resemble an E. coli infection.

People of any age can become infected with pathogenic E. coli. Children under the age of 5 years, adults older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness as a result of a pathogenic E. coli infection. However, even healthy older children and young adults can become seriously ill.

Summary of Problem and Scope

On 10/10/2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tested oysters and discovered the presence of Salmonella and unacceptable levels of generic E. coli. On 10/18/2023, the CFIA informed the FDA of the testing results from the contaminated product. Canada is investigating the cause of the food safety problem. Future Seafoods, Inc. has not yet initiated a recall.

FDA Actions

The FDA is issuing this alert advising restaurants and food retailers not to sell and consumers not to eat oysters from Future Seafoods, Inc. (PE 4217 SP) harvested on 10/10/2023 from harvest area PE9B due to contamination from Salmonella and unacceptable levels of generic E. coli. The FDA is awaiting further information on distribution of the oysters harvested and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed. As new information becomes available, the FDA will update the safety alert.

Recommendations for Consumers

Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.