The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) immediately recalled some frozen oyster products made in Korea after suspending sales.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) immediately recalled some frozen oyster products made in Korea after suspending sales, saying they may have been contaminated with norovirus. However, it is known that it has never been distributed in Korea.

※ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) : 미국 식품의약국

 

The FDA recently announced on its website that some frozen half-shell oysters made in Korea may have been contaminated with norovirus, and that it has decided to suspend sales and retrieve them.

※ retrieve : 회수하다

 

The products that were recalled are frozen half-shell oysters harvested on January 30 and February 4 last year and manufactured in Korea. The move follows a suspected norovirus report to the FDA on the 7th in California, where oysters were first distributed.

※ move : 움직임 (조치)

 

At the time, the California Department of Health said, "After eating the oyster, symptoms of gastroenteritis infection such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea appeared," adding, "Norovirus infection is suspected."

 

In response, the FDA explained, "Restaurants and retailers should not provide or sell frozen half-shell oysters that may be contaminated," adding, "We should discard all products or contact distributors to dispose of them." It also recommended that consumers who eat oysters and have norovirus symptoms receive treatment.

 

Meanwhile, norovirus is prevalent in infants and toddlers from late fall to early spring of the following year (November to March). Norovirus is known to be mainly infected through consumption of fish and shellfish foods such as contaminated water or oysters or through contact with patients. The infectivity is very strong and the period of maintaining immunity after infection is short, so even if you are infected with norovirus once, you can be reinfected, so extra care is needed.

 

When infected with norovirus, symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea appear within 12 to 48 hours. It may also be accompanied by abdominal pain, chills, and fever. Most patients recover after two to three days, but since there is no vaccine, it is important to pay attention to hygiene for prevention.

 

Experts recommend washing your hands for more than 30 seconds using soap rather than hand sanitizer, or washing them in running water when cleaning food ingredients and eating them cooked at 85℃ or higher for more than 1 minute.