In case you missed it, Canada is currently seeing a wide recall, yet again, on a popular food item.
Raw Oysters have been infected over 170 Canadians with a virus, and the Seafood item is being recalled in Canada and the U.S.
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First of all, I am thanking my lucky stars that not only have I not come across these rotted little guys but that I don't eat Seafood altogether - because nothing is worse than food poisoning coming from Seafood!
The government of Canada has seen a total of 172 cases (as of April 27) of gastrointestinal illness linked to oyster consumption in three provinces (so far).
British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario have reported 132, 15 and 25 cases respectively. No deaths have been reported and individuals affected would have gotten sick between mid-March and mid-April, 2018.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has seen a decrease in the number of cases related to raw oysters over the past week.
@yoamorlaverdadThe P.H.A.C is noting that their findings, to date, have identified that most people who have become sick were infected with the Noroviruses after consuming oysters harvested in the south and central parts of Baynes Sound, B.C.
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that will cause gastroenteritis in people, with main symptoms of the infection including diarrhea and/or vomiting.
These viruses are highly contagious and spread easily.
Oysters are widely known for their potential risk of infection if consumed raw. Pregnant women, children and the elderly are all strongly advised against eating oysters altogether. Norovirus sickness can be avoided if oysters are cooked properly, to an internal temperature of 90 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 90 seconds.
As of yesterday evening, the U.S. has joined Canada and issued an outbreak warning of their own on the contaminated oysters.
While complete details from the F.D.A have not been released yet, they can confirm with "complete certainty" that the oysters in question have made it to California, Illinois, Washington, and Massachusetts.
This is giving me some end of days, zombie apocalypse vibes. Don't eat the rotten oysters, folks! We don't need a Santa Clarita Diet situation on our hands. I'm very grossed out.
Shellfish farms in British Columbia were the oysters are coming from, have been closed for harvest pending a more thorough investigation on quality control.
You can read Health Canada's official statement, with updates, right here.
