Five Star Shellfish is recalling its Malpeque brand Large Standard Oysters due to common E. coli contamination.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the recalled products were distributed in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
About E. coli infections
Anyone who has consumed the recalled products and experiences symptoms of an E. coli infection should seek immediate medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Infections can resemble other illnesses and require special tests to diagnose.
Symptoms of E. coli infection vary from person to person, but most people experience severe abdominal pain and diarrhea (often bloody), and some people may develop a fever. Most people recover within five to seven days. Some people can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About 5 to 10 percent of people diagnosed with E. coli infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, decreased frequency of urination, small bruises or bleeding for no apparent reason, and paleness.
Most people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some become permanently disabled or die. The condition can affect people of any age, but it is most common in children under 5 years old whose immune systems are still immature, older adults whose immune systems are compromised, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of HUS should seek emergency medical care immediately. People with HUS may be hospitalized because the symptoms of HUS can lead to other serious and lasting problems, including high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurological disorders.
Recall affected products:
Malpeque – Large Standard Oyster
- Size – Various
- Code – Harvest Date 08/13/2024, Harvest Location PE-1R, Shipment Date 08/15/2024
- UPC – None
Consumers and retailers must not use, sell, offer or distribute affected products.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)