FDA Issues Recall on Oysters and Manila Clams

Date Issued: December 18, 2024
Announced by FDA
Companies Involved: S&M Shellfish Co., Rudy’s Shellfish
Products Recalled: Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, Royal Miyagi oysters, and Manila clams
Issue: Potential Norovirus contamination
Distribution Areas: U.S. states including California, Arizona, New York, and Florida
Actions Required: Return or destroy affected products. Contact distributors for guidance.

Stick around to find out more about this recall and its industry implications. Shall we dive in?

What happened?

Two major seafood recalls have been issued due to potential Norovirus contamination:

S&M Shellfish Co. in California is recalling:
- Products: Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi oysters
- Sourcing Areas: British Columbia, Canada
- Details:
  - Sizes: Various
  - Certification Numbers: BC 740 SP and BC 6001 SP
  - Harvest Dates: December 1 to December 9, 2024
  - Locations of Harvest: Areas in British Columbia (14-8, Landfile 1413888, Landfile 1402294, Landfile 1409454, Landfile 1402060, Landfile 1409240, Landfile 1402193, Landfile 249854)
  - Distribution: Retailers and distributors across the U.S.
For more details, refer to the official recall notice.
Rudy’s Shellfish in Washington has recalled:
- Products: Oysters and Manila clams
- Harvest Dates: November 15 to December 11, 2024
- Distribution: Restaurants and food retailers in Arizona, California, and other states

Brand	Product	Size	Harvest Date	Issue
S&M Shellfish Co	Oysters and Manila clams. Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi oysters	Various	December 1 to December 9, 2024	Potential Norovirus
Rudy’s Shellfish	Oysters and Manila clams	Various	November 15 to December 11, 2024	Potential Norovirus

What caused the issue?

The recall stems from multiple illnesses reported due to Norovirus contamination. Here’s what you need to know:

Cause: Contamination of shellfish during harvesting in certain areas. Unsanitary conditions or improper handling are likely factors.
Health Risks: Norovirus can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and dehydration. Symptoms typically appear within 12-48 hours of exposure and last 1-3 days. Vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications.
Victims: While specific case numbers remain undisclosed, notable reports include:
- Illnesses in New York linked to contaminated shellfish.
- Nearly 80 people were affected by Norovirus on a recent Holland America cruise.

What is Norovirus? Norovirus is a highly contagious virus causing gastroenteritis, characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
How did the contamination occur? The contamination likely happened during harvesting in specific areas of British Columbia, potentially due to unsanitary water or handling practices.
What are the symptoms of Norovirus? Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, and dehydration.
Who is most at risk? Infants, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable.
Can I cook the shellfish to make it safe? Proper cooking can kill Norovirus, but it is safest to avoid consuming recalled products altogether.
Where were the recalled products distributed? Across multiple U.S. states, including California, Arizona, New York, and Florida.
How do I identify the recalled products? Check for tags with certification numbers BC 740 SP and BC 6001 SP, harvest dates from December 1-9, 2024, and the listed harvesting locations.
What should I do if I have the recalled products? Return them to the place of purchase or destroy them following health department guidelines.
How can I contact the company for more information? Contact S&M Shellfish Co. at [email protected] or 415-674-8611 (6 AM to Noon).
What steps are being taken to prevent future contamination? Increased monitoring, stricter harvesting protocols, and improved water quality testing are likely measures.

Here’s what you should do:

If you have purchased any of the recalled products:

Stop Consumption Immediately: Avoid consuming the product.
Check Labels: Look for sourcing details, certification numbers, and harvest dates on packaging.
Return or Destroy:
- Return the product to the place of purchase.
- If destruction is necessary, follow health department guidelines and label the product as “NOT SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION.”
- Provide proof of destruction to S&M Shellfish Co. if applicable.
Contact Information:
- S&M Shellfish Co.: Pier 45 Shed B9, San Francisco, CA 94133
  Email: [email protected]
  Phone: 415-674-8611 (6 AM to Noon)
- For further assistance, contact CDPH at [email protected] or 800-495-3232.

Behind the brand

S&M Shellfish Co., based in San Francisco, California, is renowned for distributing premium seafood products across the United States. Similarly, Rudy’s Shellfish, a leading supplier in Washington, has established a solid reputation for providing high-quality shellfish to retailers and restaurants nationwide. However, both companies have faced recent setbacks due to seafood recalls. Additionally, Nail Factory, issued a recall this week related to non-compliant fish products that failed to meet USDA inspection standards. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety across the seafood supply chain.

“Food safety recalls underscore the need for unwavering vigilance throughout the seafood supply chain. Every step—from harvesting to distribution—must comply with rigorous standards to protect public health and maintain trust. Incidents like these serve as critical reminders of the importance of transparency, accountability, and proactive measures to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of our food systems.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the critical importance of stringent quality controls in seafood sourcing. Food safety lapses not only endanger public health but also disrupt supply chains and erode consumer trust.

Have concerns about your seafood supply chain? Contact us at Source86 today for expert insights and to explore our range of high-quality, safe ingredients.