Oyster and Clam Recall Expanded Over Norovirus Concerns

A recall of raw oysters and Manila clams has been expanded due to potential norovirus contamination, impacting multiple states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The affected products were harvested between February 13 and March 3, 2026, from Drayton Harbor, Washington.

Affected Products and Locations

The FDA advises restaurants and retailers not to serve or sell, and consumers not to eat, the following products:

• Raw Oysters: Harvested by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company (WA-1723-SS) and distributed in Washington state.
• Manila Clams: Harvested by Lummi Indian Business Council (WA-0098-SS) and distributed to restaurants and retailers in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Fresh York, Oregon, and Washington. The FDA notes that the clams may have been distributed to other states as well.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, often referred to as the “stomach flu.” It is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Symptoms of Norovirus Infection

Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Head or body aches

Dehydration is a particular concern for young children and older adults. The FDA notes that food contaminated with norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal.

What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed

The FDA recommends disposing of any potentially contaminated food items. The CDC recommends the following preventative measures:

• Wash hands often
• Wash laundry in hot water
• Cook shellfish thoroughly
• Thoroughly clean infected cooking surfaces

Harvesting Closure and Reopening

The Washington State Department of Health initially halted recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting in Drayton Harbor on March 5, 2026, after illnesses were linked to raw oysters harvested on February 13 and February 20. Drayton Harbor is expected to reopen for recreational and commercial harvesting on March 24, 2026.

Additional Information

Consumers experiencing symptoms of illness after consuming these products should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local Health Department. Further information is available from the FDA’s safety alert and the USA Today report.