Urgent: Oyster products recall

February 26, 2010

Oregon Oyster Farms recall notice

Oregon Oyster Farms, Inc. is issuing a product recall involving oyster meat and oysters in the shell harvested in Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon from February 1–24, 2010. Oyster meat includes all 1/2 pint containers, pint containers, half gallon containers, and 4 gallon buckets. Oysters in the shell include all large, medium, small, extra-small, and petite Pacific oysters, Kumamoto oysters, and Yaquina native oysters.  All shucked product containers with sell or use by dates of February 15^th, through March 11^th, 2010 are included in this recall.

Yaquina Bay oysters have been distributed in five Oregon counties: Lincoln, Lane, Linn, Marion, and Multnomah. Yaquina Bay oysters are distributed through one wholesale account in Oregon and at various retail stores and restaurants.  Yaquina Bay oysters were also distributed to individual restaurants in New York City, Boston, Texas, Mississippi, and Virginia.  Two wholesale distribution accounts are located in New York and Boston.

Oregon Oyster Farms has stopped harvesting and selling oyster products, effective immediately, since receipt of notice from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. This recall has been initiated due to potential norovirus contamination. Consumption of these products may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, malaise, abdominal pain, headache and fever. Please note that the source of the recall order has not been traced to Oregon Oyster Farms, and it is yet to be determined where the faulty product is from.

Consumers who have purchased Yaquina Bay oysters are encouraged to discard any remaining product.  A recall sign has been posted at the company’s retail store.  Consumers may contact Liu Xin or Marcie Dodson at (541) 265-2401.

At present, Oregon Oyster Farms is taking extra precautionary steps to ensure the safety of its products.

Media contacts:  Liu Xin or Marcie Dodson at (541) 265-2401.