More B.C. oysters added to growing recall over risk of norovirus
Several more varieties of oysters harvested in B.C. have been added to a growing recall over a risk of norovirus contamination.
Health Canada issued an updated warning Thursday, saying multiple types of oysters were recalled by Sawmill Bay Shellfish Co. Ltd.
The latest recall includes Joes Gold, Joyce Point, Read Island Gem and Sawmill Bay DD Pacific aquacultured oysters. All the oysters listed in the recall were harvested on March 24 and March 28.
Health Canada said the oysters were sold in B.C. and Alberta, but may have been distributed to other provinces too.
Numerous other warnings have been issued in recent weeks, recalling oysters harvested in B.C. and packaged by different companies.
Between mid-January and April 8, which is when data was most recently reported by the Public Health Agency of Canada, 328 norovirus and gastrointestinal illnesses have been linked to consumption of B.C. oysters. The vast majority of those illnesses, 293 of them, were reported in B.C.
Individuals from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario have also reported being sick, however.
No deaths from the outbreak have been reported.
The contamination also appears to have crossed the border, with 103 norovirus illnesses so far reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those illnesses are also linked to raw oysters from B.C.
Health Canada didn't confirm any illnesses linked specifically to the Sawmill Bay recall. However, the agency said the notice was triggered by findings from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak.
Norovirus illness symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach cramps, typically 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Anyone who thinks they became sick from recalled oysters should call their doctor.
"Acute gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus illness are common in North America and are very contagious, affecting all age groups," Health Canada said in a statement.
"However, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, young children and the elderly are at risk for developing more serious complications, like dehydration."
PHAC said some oyster harvest areas have been closed in B.C. as part of the ongoing investigation. Businesses and members of the public are asked to not eat, sell or serve recalled oysters.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates: 'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Milton brings high winds, destructive waves
U.S. forecasters are warning of destructive waves, devastating winds and flash floods through the week as Hurricane Milton makes its way from the Yucatan Peninsula toward Florida.
Harris calls Trump 'incredibly irresponsible' for spreading misinformation about Helene response
Kamala Harris called Donald Trump 'incredibly irresponsible' for spreading falsehoods about the federal response to Hurricane Helene's destruction, offering especially sharp words as a new storm bears down on Florida with just weeks until Election Day.
University of Toronto's Geoffrey Hinton wins Nobel Prize in physics
A British-Canadian researcher has won the Nobel Prize in physics for work developing the foundations of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The University of Toronto's Geoffrey Hinton was awarded the prize Tuesday morning, along with Princeton University researcher John Hopfield.
Most fathers say they spend equal time caring for their child — fewer mothers agree, survey says
When it comes to raising a child, the majority of fathers say they share tasks equally, but fewer mothers tend to say the same thing, according to a Statistics Canada survey.
Beware of scams during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sales event: cybersecurity firm
As online shoppers hunt for bargains offered by Amazon during its annual fall sale this week, cybersecurity researchers are warning Canadians to beware of an influx of scammers posing as the tech giant.
Is Disney World still open as Hurricane Milton strengthens to a Category 5?
Despite Hurricane Milton evolving into a Category 5 storm, Walt Disney World Resort remains open to the public and will operate as normal. However, the park announced Monday a few closures in an abundance of caution.
Kathy Bates shocked she forgot this moment in her 1991 Oscars speech
For years, Kathy Bates has believed she missed thanking someone pivotal during her acceptance speech after she won the Oscar for best actress in 1991 for her performance in 'Misery.'
AI can help family doctors buried in paperwork. Why is uptake low?
AI scribe technology holds the promise of removing some of that burden. However, uptake in Canada has been low due to privacy and cost concerns.
'Selfish billionaire': Chip Wilson's mansion vandalized after political sign erected outside
Days after a political sign was erected outside Lululemon founder Chip Wilson's Vancouver mansion, the waterfront property has been vandalized with graffiti.