- Date Issued: March 11, 2025
- Company: Sea Win, Inc.
- Product: Frozen Half Shell Oysters (KR 7 SP)
- Issue: Possible norovirus contamination
- Details: Harvested in South Korea on Jan. 30 and Feb. 4
- Action: Restaurants and retailers should dispose of them; consumers should return for a refund
Find out more about this recall below!
What happened?
Looks like seafood lovers need to put the oysters down for a moment. Sea Win, Inc., a Los Angeles-based company, is recalling 650 cases of its Frozen Half Shell Oysters due to potential norovirus contamination. The California Department of Public Health flagged the issue after linking the oysters to multiple illnesses, prompting an official recall.
The affected oysters, labeled KR 7 SP, were harvested in South Korea on January 30, February 4, 2024, Jan. 31, Feb. 1, and Feb. 2, 2024. They were distributed to wholesalers in Los Angeles and Irvine, CA, and possibly beyond. The FDA is currently tracking the distribution chain and coordinating with state officials to assess the full impact.
Recalled product information
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Sea Win | Frozen Half Shell Oysters (KR 7 SP) | 144 count per box | N/A | N/A | Possible Norovirus Contamination |
What caused the issue?
The culprit here? Norovirus—the same nasty virus that turns cruise ship vacations into stomach-churning nightmares. This highly contagious virus spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and direct contact with infected individuals.
Risks and threats of norovirus contamination
- Highly contagious: A tiny amount of the virus can infect someone, spreading rapidly in shared environments like restaurants and grocery stores.
- Resistant to disinfectants: It can survive on surfaces for days, making it difficult to eliminate without proper sanitation.
- Easily transmitted through food: Shellfish, especially oysters, can absorb norovirus if harvested from contaminated waters.
Who’s at risk?
- Elderly individuals
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with weakened immune systems (such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with chronic illnesses)
Common symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever and chills
Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after consumption and can last up to two days. While most healthy individuals recover without complications, those in high-risk groups may experience dehydration, hospitalization, or even severe complications.
10 common questions you may have
1. What should I do if I ate these oysters and feel fine?
Monitor for symptoms for up to 48 hours. If you start feeling unwell, contact a healthcare provider.
2. How does norovirus get into oysters?
Oysters filter water as they feed, meaning they can absorb contaminants like norovirus from polluted waters.
3. Can I cook the oysters to kill norovirus?
Cooking at above 145°F (63°C) for several minutes can reduce the risk, but raw oysters should be avoided if contaminated.
4. How do I properly dispose of the recalled oysters?
Seal them in a plastic bag before throwing them in the trash to prevent contamination.
5. Are there other seafood products affected by this recall?
As of now, only these specific oysters are recalled, but check FDA updates for further developments.
6. How long does norovirus survive on surfaces?
It can persist on surfaces for days to weeks, requiring thorough cleaning with bleach-based disinfectants.
7. Can I get norovirus from touching contaminated packaging?
It’s possible if you touch your mouth after handling contaminated packaging. Always wash your hands after handling food.
8. What should restaurants do if they have this product?
Restaurants should immediately stop serving the product, dispose of it properly, and sanitize any surfaces it came in contact with.
9. Has Sea Win had recalls before?
There is no reported history of recalls from Sea Win for norovirus contamination, but seafood recalls happen regularly due to foodborne pathogens.
10. Where can I find more updates about this recall?
Check the FDA Recall Page for official updates and information.
Here’s what you should do
If you’ve got these oysters in your freezer, it’s time to let them go. Here’s what you need to know:
- Dispose of the product safely or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Look for labels: The affected oysters come in white corrugated boxes with 144-count shellfish tags, with harvest dates of Jan. 30 and Feb. 4.
- If you’ve consumed them and feel sick, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Restaurants and retailers should stop serving or selling them and work with distributors on proper disposal.
Behind the brand
Sea Win, Inc. is no stranger to the seafood distribution game, supplying products to retailers and food service providers. While this particular recall raises concerns, it’s part of a larger trend of recent seafood-related recalls due to norovirus and bacterial contamination. Just last month, the FDA issued a recall for its shellstock oysters harvested by Ruco’s Shellfish from Hammersley Inlet, Washington, due to potential contamination with norovirus. In addition, in February, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced a recall of all oysters harvested from Area 3 (east of Lake Borgne and around the Chandeleur Islands) due to a norovirus outbreak.
“Cases like this highlight the critical need for strict oversight and responsibility throughout the food supply chain. From harvesting to distribution, every stage must focus on consumer safety. Transparency and proactive precautions are essential to reducing risks, upholding trust, and guaranteeing that only safe, high-quality products reach the market.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
Food safety isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about keeping consumers safe and preventing outbreaks that can shake consumer trust. Companies in the seafood industry should:
- Implement stricter testing measures to detect contaminants before distribution.
- Ensure proper handling and storage during the supply chain process.
- Maintain transparent communication with regulatory bodies and customers.
For consumers, this recall is a reminder to stay vigilant with food safety alerts and always handle seafood with care.
If you need high-quality, rigorously tested ingredients, our team is here to help. Reach out to Source86 today to ensure your supply chain stays free from unexpected surprises!
