Raw oysters at a high-profile Los Angeles culinary event leave over 80 attendees sick with norovirus, prompting an FDA warning across multiple states.
Norovirus Outbreak Strikes Prestigious Los Angeles Culinary Event
A celebration of culinary excellence in Los Angeles turned sour when over 80 attendees fell ill after consuming raw oysters at the Los Angeles Times “101 Best Restaurants” event. The outbreak on December 3 at the Hollywood Palladium has been linked to norovirus contamination in oysters sourced from British Columbia, Canada.
Recalled raw oysters and manila clams have been linked to a norovirus outbreak in California. Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell recalled oysters. Consumers should not eat these potentially contaminated oysters and Manila clams. Swipe for details.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/6VHzubGkHS
— LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 18, 2024
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed the outbreak: “At this time, over 80 attendees that consumed the oysters have reported illness.” The incident has raised concerns about food safety at high-profile events and the risks associated with consuming raw seafood.
Los Angeles County’s health department is investigating the norovirus outbreak linked to a broader oyster recall https://t.co/kBnXM7N7ef
— Eater LA (@eaterla) December 20, 2024
Tracing the Source: Fanny Bay Oysters Under Scrutiny
The outbreak has been traced to Fanny Bay Select and Fanny Bay XS oysters from Pacific Northwest Shellfish Co., packed on or after November 25. These oysters, originating from British Columbia, were distributed to various states, prompting a widespread recall notice on December 13.
“We have produced culinary events for many years and take food safety very seriously,” said Hillary Manning, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Times. “As is the case with our events, we had protocols in place and, based on an L.A. County Department of Public Health inspection, we complied with all relevant safety standards. We also know the care each chef and restaurant takes in preparing and serving food to our community.”
The supplier, Santa Monica Seafood, is cooperating with the investigation and maintains that there is “no evidence to suggest mishandling at any point in the supply chain, including by Santa Monica Seafood or any of the restaurants participating in the LA Times event.”
FDA Issues Warning Across Multiple States
In response to the outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against selling or consuming these oysters in 15 states, including Washington, D.C. This precautionary measure aims to prevent further illness and contain the spread of norovirus.
Norovirus, often called the “stomach flu,” is a highly contagious virus that causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, body aches, and fever. These symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus.
Implications for the Culinary Industry and Public Health
This outbreak is a stark reminder of the potential risks of consuming raw seafood, even at high-end culinary events. Oysters are particularly susceptible to norovirus contamination, as they can absorb the virus when sewage contaminates ocean waters.
The incident has overshadowed the prestigious “101 Best Restaurants” list, created by the late Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Jonathan Gold. As health officials continue investigating, the culinary industry may need to reevaluate its food safety protocols, primarily when serving raw seafood at large-scale events.
As this situation unfolds, it underscores the importance of rigorous food safety measures and the need for constant vigilance in preventing foodborne illnesses, even at the most esteemed culinary gatherings.