A nationwide food safety alert just put raw seafood lovers on notice. The FDA’s raw oyster and clam recall is raising concern after federal health officials warned that certain shellfish may be contaminated with norovirus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the alert on March 9 after reports of a norovirus-like illness outbreak connected to raw oyster consumption.
According to the agency, the shellfish were harvested in Drayton Harbor, Washington, between February 13 and March 3, 2026. The alert includes raw oysters harvested by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and Manila clams harvested by the Lummi Indian Business Council from the same harvest area.
Health officials say the situation first reached federal authorities when the Washington State Department of Health reported the outbreak on March 4.
Distribution details show the oysters were sent to locations within Washington. However, the Manila clams were shipped to restaurants and food retailers across Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Officials also warn that the shellfish may have traveled beyond those states.
The FDA is urging restaurants and retailers not to sell or serve the products. Instead, businesses should dispose of the shellfish or contact distributors for proper destruction. Consumers who may have purchased the products are also being told not to eat them.
According to the CDC, Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause gastroenteritis, which affects the stomach and intestines. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, along with fever, headache, and body aches.
Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure, and most people recover within one to three days. However, health officials warn that the illness can hit harder for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The FDA also noted that contaminated food can still appear normal, meaning it may look, smell, and taste safe even when it carries the virus.
Officials say the agency is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Anyone who develops symptoms after eating raw shellfish should contact a healthcare provider and report the illness to their local health department.
