Don’t Eat The Oysters!

by Heather McLaughlin

Just a heads up to any oyster lovers out there.

The FDA has advised against eating raw oysters that were harvested out of Washington State. They made this decision based on a rash of bacteria caused illnesses that have people sick on both the east and west coasts. All oysters that were harvested in shell from July 13th from Hood Canal to Puget Sound have been recalled.

These oysters are believed to be the cause of 70 cases of vibriosis, which is caused when vibrio parahaemolyticus (a bacteria found in saltwater) proliferates in hot weather. Eating raw oysters is the most common way to become sick with vibriosis.

Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhrea, vomiting, nausea, headaches and chills.

Oysters that have been stored cold and cooked to a temp of 145 F are safe to eat and aren’t a danger to consumers.