Health Alert: Do Not Eat Some Oysters; Potentially Contaminated with Campylobacter

The FDA is telling restaurants and food sellers not to serve, sell, or keep certain oysters. These oysters, from Recompense Cove in Freeport, ME, were harvested between June 19, 2024, and July 16, 2024, from sites CAS RC2 and CAS RCX. They were sent to distributors in several states and Ontario, Canada, and might be contaminated with Campylobacter bacteria. If you have these oysters, throw them away.

Eating raw oysters with Campylobacter can make you sick, especially if your immune system is weak. Food with Campylobacter might look, smell, and taste normal. If you ate these oysters and feel sick, contact your doctor and let your local Health Department know.

Symptoms of Campylobacter Illness

Symptoms usually start 2 to 5 days after eating the bacteria and last about a week. They include:

• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting

In severe cases, Campylobacter can cause more serious problems like irritable bowel syndrome, temporary paralysis, and arthritis. People with weakened immune systems might get a life-threatening infection.

• Do not serve or sell the recalled oysters. Throw them away or return them to the distributor.
• Be aware that shellfish can carry harmful bacteria and viruses. Clean and sanitize equipment and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.

• Do not eat the recalled oysters.
• If you have symptoms, contact your doctor and report your symptoms to your local Health Department.