Pacific Rim Shellfish Corporation recalls oysters as norovirus investigation continues
Pacific Rim Shellfish Corporation is recalling Pacific Rim Shellfish Corp. brand oysters because of possible norovirus contamination. This recall was triggered by findings of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak.
The recalled products have been sold in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, and Ontario and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.
This recall comes after three similar recalls connected to CFIA’s norovirus outbreak investigation.
Most recently, Fanny Bay Oysters recalled certain Taylor Shellfish Canada ULC brand Oysters on March 27.
The other by Stellar Bay Shellfish of some of its branded oysters on March 21 and an expanded recall by Stellar Bay Shellfish on March 24.
The oysters in that recall have been identified as being responsible for a norovirus outbreak that has sickened at least 50 people, according to Vancouver Coastal Health. Victims report severe vomiting and diarrhea within 12 to 48 hours after eating the raw shellfish.
Newly recalled products:
| Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Codes |
| Pacific Rim Shellfish (2003) Corp | XSM Tray Oyster | Variable (clerk-served) | None |
Harvest Location BC 14-15 Lease # 1400036 Harvest Date:
|
| Pacific Rim Shellfish (2003) Corp | XSM Beach Oyster | Variable (clerk-served) | None |
Harvest Area BC 14-15 Lease # 1400036 Harvest Date:
|
| Pacific Rim Shellfish (2003) Corp | MLarge Tray Oyster | Variable (clerk-served) | None |
Harvest Area BC 14-15 Lease # 1400036 Harvest Date: March 9, 2022 |
| Pacific Rim Shellfish (2003) Corp | MLarge Beach Oyster | Variable (clerk-served) | None |
Harvest Area BC 14-15 Lease # 1400036 Harvest Date: March 15, 2022 |
Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the place of purchase.
About norovirus infections
People with norovirus illness usually develop symptoms of gastroenteritis within 24 to 48 hours, but symptoms can start as early as 12 hours after exposure.
The illness often begins suddenly. Even after having the illness, you can still become re-infected by norovirus. The main symptoms of norovirus illness are diarrhea, vomiting (children usually experience more vomiting than adults), nausea and stomach cramps.
Other symptoms may include low-grade fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and fatigue (a general sense of tiredness). Most people feel better within one or two days, with symptoms resolving on their own, and experience no long-term health effects. As with any illness causing diarrhea or vomiting, people who are ill should drink plenty of liquids to replace lost body fluids and prevent dehydration. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and given fluids intravenously.
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