FDA: Don't Eat Raw Oysters From Washington, Southern Tip of Hood Canal

Friday August 10, 2007 (Foodconsumer.org) -- The Food and Drug Administration Friday issued a warning to advise consumers not to eat raw oysters harvested from an area of the southern tip of Hood canal in Washington after an outbreak of Vibriosis - a food-borne illness.

Raw oysters harvested from growing area 6 in Hood Canal from July 3, 2007 have sickened at least six people in California and Washington. The states are investigating more reports of the illness.

Vibriosis is caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria, which can be found occasionally in oysters in the summer. The bacteria wouldn't do too much harm to most people, but in rare cases can it be life-threatening to those with weakened immune systems.

Tags: FDA, Bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria, raw oysters, Hood Canal