FDA Says No Raw Oysters After People In 13 States Develop Food Poisoning

Display of raw oysters, ready-to-eat. Market stand, O Grove, Pontevedra province, Galicia, Spain.

‘One in a Billion’ Bad Oyster Kills Man in Florida

Iesha August 18, 2022 News Leave a comment

According to a report, a “one in a billion” contaminated oyster caused a bacterial infection in a Florida man that led to his death.

An investigation determined the man’s death was caused by Vibrio, which he contracted at the Rustic Inn Crabhouse in Fort Lauderdale.

The restaurant manager told the outlet that 100 dozen oysters were served that day.

“He had that one in a billion that was bad,” Gary Oreal reportedly said. “I feel horrible.”

“Oysters are top of the mountain for dangerous foods to eat. I have eaten them my entire life and will continue. But you are putting yourself at risk when you do it,” Oreal added.

After the man got sick, the Florida Department of Health inspected the restaurant’s kitchen and passed “with flying colors.”

“Over the course of 60 years, we have served a couple of billion oysters, and we never had anyone get sick as this guy did,” Oreal said.

In the past month, two people have died from raw oysters in the state. The Pensacola News Journal reported that an elderly community leader died from Vibrio on August 9.

The publication said Rodney Jackson, the director of business engagement at Studer Community Institute, fell ill after consuming oysters from Maria’s Fresh Seafood Market.

In both instances, the oysters came from Louisiana.

While most instances of vibriosis are reported during hotter months, the Centers for Control of Disease and Prevention warn that cases can occur at any time of year.

According to the CDC, “An oyster that contains harmful bacteria doesn’t look, smell, or even taste different from any other oyster.”

The agency reported that the most common side effects are diarrhea and vomiting.