Seafood sold in California recalled due to possible salmonella contamination

Look out, California seafood lovers.

A Virginia-based company has recalled oysters distributed in more than a dozen states, including California, because of possible salmonella contamination.

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The potentially tainted shellfish were harvested in Virginia, then sent to restaurants and retail stores, according to food safety officials.

Here’s what consumers need to know:

Which seafood products were recalled in California? Why?

On Oct. 9, Virginia-based Little Wicomico Oyster Company from the Little Wicomico River in Virginia because they might be contaminated with salmonella, according to the California Department of Public Health.

The affected oysters were harvested from Sept. 18 through Oct. 8.

The recall applies to shellshock oysters or the Lower Little Wicomico River in Virginia, according to the recall notice.

Where were the recalled oysters sold?

The recalled oysters were in a total of 15 states, as well as the District of Columbia, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference.

That includes California.

The company said it contacted customers who received the affected oysters and instructed them to follow their recall procedures.

Eateries, stores and other businesses that received the oysters should check their inventory and ensure the affected products are no longer sold or served.

What are the symptoms of salmonella infection?

Salmonella bacteria are a “leading cause of foodborne illness” in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These germs can make people sick with an illness called salmonellosis.

People can become infected by eating contaminated food, including raw or undercooked foods, or through contact with infected animals.

Food can also become contaminated when handlers fail to wash their hands or properly clean food preparation surfaces and equipment, according to the FDA.

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Symptoms of salmonella can include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure and usually last four to seven days, according to the FDA.

Children under 5, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections.

“Food containing salmonella may look smell, and taste normal,” the FDA said.

Anyone who believes they ate the recalled oysters and develops symptoms should contact a healthcare provider.

What should I do if I bought recalled oysters?

If you bought the recalled oysters, do not eat them.

Restaurants, retailers and food service businesses should immediately stop selling or serving the recalled shellfish.

According to the FDA and the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference, businesses and other immediately:

• Check if you received a recall notice from Little Wicomico Oyster Company, identified as VA-1421-SP.
• Return or dispose of any remaining recalled products, including oysters in storage or prepared for service.
• Clean and sanitize surfaces, equipment and containers that might have come into contact with the oysters to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
• Notify customers that might have received the affected oysters.

Consumers who are unsure whether their should contact the retailer or restaurant where they purchased them.