The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has posted a national recall on all oysters harvested from British Columbia coastal waters on or before August 18, 2015.
The Agency warns that said oysters “may be unsafe for raw consumption due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
“Consumers should not consume and distributors, retailers and food service establishments such as hotels and restaurants should not sell or use the recalled product. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. Consumers, retailers and distributors who are unsure if they have purchased affected oysters should contact the location where they were purchased.”
Vibrio is a naturally-occurring bacterium that can be present at high levels in coastal waters during periods of increased water temperatures. Most people come in contact with Vibrio by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.
Illnesses can be avoided if shellfish are cooked before being eaten.
People with weakened immune systems, young children, pregnant women and older adults are at increased risk for developing complications if they get sick.
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Local reaction was unavailable at press time. The Record continues to develop this story.
–Government of Canada