Frozen Oysters from Tongyeong Halted from Sale in the US Due to Possible Norovirus
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that frozen oysters produced in Tongyeong, Gyeongnam may be contaminated with Norovirus, ordering a halt in sales and a product recall.
This action follows reports of Norovirus infection cases linked to oysters distributed in California, marking the sixth instance of Korean oysters being subject to FDA recall.
The FDA recommended that distributors and restaurants refrain from selling or serving Korean frozen oysters and urged consumers to avoid consuming the product. This measure appears to be a precautionary action to protect consumer health and safety.
FDA Recall Target: Frozen Half-Shelled Oysters from Tongyeong
Frozen half-shelled oysters from Tongyeong, harvested on January 30 and February 4, have been flagged as problematic. Currently, wholesale distributors in California are recalling the product.
Following the FDA's action, the sale and provision of certain products have been prohibited. Distributors and restaurants must immediately discard or return the affected products. Additionally, consumers experiencing Norovirus symptoms should seek immediate treatment.
This action was taken in response to potential Norovirus infections linked to the oysters distributed in California. Consequently, the FDA has sent out advisories to related businesses and consumers.
Korean Oysters: Continuing FDA Recall Issues... Recurring Problems
This is the sixth instance of the US FDA recalling
Korean oysters.
| Year | Recalled Product | Cause |
| November 2022 | Daewon Foods Fresh Oysters & Frozen Oysters | Norovirus Detection, Sales Halt in 13 States |
| 2023 | Daewon Foods Frozen Oysters | Norovirus Detection, Recall Action |
| April-May 2023 | Tongyeong Oysters | Cases of Norovirus Infection |
| June 2023 | Geoje Oysters | Cases of Infection, Total Sales Halt |
| March 2024 | Frozen Oysters from Tongyeong | Recall Action Due to Suspected Norovirus Infection |
The frequent recalls of Korean oysters by the US FDA are attributed to recurring hygiene issues in the growing environment and distribution processes of the oysters.
In particular, the hygiene standards for seafood in the US and Europe are very strict, leading to immediate sales cessation and recall actions once contamination is confirmed during the import process.
What is Norovirus? Main Symptoms and Infection Risks
Overview of Norovirus
Norovirus is a virus that causes infectious gastroenteritis and primarily spreads through food. Particularly in the winter, it can survive even at -20°C, making it a major cause of food poisoning.
Key symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, and muscle pain, which manifest within 12 to 48 hours after infection. Those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, children, and infants, are at greater risk of severe complications.
Norovirus is highly contagious, and even a small amount of the virus can result in infection. Once infected, the immunity that develops is short-lived, making reinfection common. There is no vaccine available for this virus, so maintaining personal hygiene is the best prevention method.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 700 million people are infected with Norovirus each year, resulting in 200,000 deaths. Norovirus is recognized as the fifth leading cause of death from food poisoning.
How to Prevent Norovirus
Preventing Norovirus is crucial, especially since there is no vaccine available. It is essential to maintain strict hygiene practices, especially when consuming seafood, such as oysters.
Maintaining proper hand hygiene is important. Washing hands with soap for more than 30 seconds under running water is the most effective method. It is crucial to wash hands thoroughly after using the restroom and before preparing food.
Oysters should always be cooked thoroughly before consumption. It is safe to heat them to at least 85°C for more than 1 minute. It is recommended to avoid raw oysters and consume cooked ones instead. People with weakened immune systems should preferably choose cooked seafood.
3. Attention is needed regarding the consumption of food and water that may be contaminated.
Seafood, vegetables, and fruits should be thoroughly washed under running water for safety.
Additionally, drinking boiled water is recommended.
4. Precautions when in contact with infected individuals
In the case of Norovirus infection, isolation should be maintained for at least 48 hours after symptoms appear.
It is advisable to disinfect objects that have come into contact with the restroom used by the infected person with a diluted bleach solution.
Thorough Hygiene Management Needed to Restore Trust in Korean Oysters
The recent decision by the FDA to halt sales and recall Korean oysters is not a trivial matter. This is a recurring issue, highlighting the need for rigorous verification of hygiene management in the seafood production process. Additionally, domestic consumers should strictly adhere to Norovirus prevention guidelines.
Future improvements should focus on strengthening hygiene management to restore trust in the export of Korean oysters.
In Korea as well, safety management should be meticulously practiced when consuming raw oysters, and the government should devise measures to improve the production and distribution of seafood.
Moreover, the domestic seafood industry must establish stricter hygiene management systems and make concerted efforts to meet international standards.
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