Norovirus in oysters from France via Netherlands in Finland
Norovirus in shelled oysters from France in Italy
Detection of norovirus genogroups I and II in oyster from France in Spain and Andorra
Norovirus in oysters from France in Finland
Detection of norovirus genogroup II in oyster from France in Spain
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The number of food poisoning cases involving raw oysters has surged dramatically this winter compared to last year.
According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on Tuesday, a total of 524 cases of food poisoning due to raw oysters were reported between November 2022 and February 2023. This figure is an eightfold increase compared to the same period between 2021 and 2022, which only had 68 cases.
Oysters are rich in minerals and vitamins but can be one of the main sources of the norovirus, which is more common in winter.
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Norovirus in oysters from France in Italy
Norovirus in oysters ((Crassostrea gigas) in Sweden and Finland origin unknown
Norovirus in oysters from France in Sweden
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Foodborne outbreak suspected to be caused by norovirus in oysters from Netherlands in Sweden and Finland.
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Between February 8th and 26th, 2023, around 150 people have reported falling ill after eating oysters in restaurants across Helsinki. The illnesses are related to oysters imported from France and the Netherlands.
Reports of illnesses have been recorded from several different restaurants, prompting inspections and sample collections from affected venues. Importers of the oysters in question have also withdrawn their products from the market.
Those who have eaten oysters are being encouraged to contact environmental services to provide information for the ongoing investigation.
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Norovirus in oysters from France in Finland
Presence of norovirus genogroup ii in clam (Chamelea gallina) from Italy in Spain
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Health officials in a city in Finland are investigating several cases of illness caused by contaminated oysters.
Food poisoning in Helsinki is suspected to be related to eating in different restaurants and at an event since the beginning of February. This past week, officials reported at least 20 people were affected but updates in local media suggest there are around 100 illnesses.
Investigators have tested food from restaurants and taken patient samples and have found norovirus. Some of those sick reported eating oysters.
A few restaurants have already been inspected after suspected epidemics and oyster importers have started to issue withdrawals and recall.
Food safety officials in Helsinki asked people who had eaten oysters and then fallen sick to contact them.
Norovirus is the most commonly identified cause of foodborne outbreaks in Finland. Between 2017 and 2021, oysters caused 11 norovirus outbreaks in which more than 110 people fell ill, according to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
In October 2022, five people fell sick in the country after eating oysters from France contaminated with norovirus.
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The Environment Services of the City of Helsinki is investigating a number of suspected cases of food poisoning that are believed to be related to dining at several different restaurants and a pop-up event since the beginning of February. Currently, there are about 20 known cases of illness.
The individuals who have fallen ill all consumed oysters, and environmental services have taken food samples from the restaurants as well as patient samples from the city’s epidemiological action. Norovirus has been found in the samples.
Those who have fallen ill are encouraged to contact the food safety unit primarily through an electronic food poisoning form at https://ilppa.fi. Contact can also be made by phone on weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm at +358 9 310 31527.
Norovirus is the most common cause of sudden intestinal infections in Finland.
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The FDA is advising consumers not to eat, and restaurants and food retailers not to sell, and to dispose of oysters that were harvested between January 16, 2023, and February 17, 2023, from Deep Bay, Baynes Sound subarea 14-8 or subarea 13-16 (landfile #140185) in British Columbia, Canada. Consumers who purchased oysters after January 16, 2023, should check the packaging to see if they were harvested in Baynes Sound subarea 14-8 or subarea 13-16 (landfile #140185). Contaminated shellfish can cause illness if eaten raw, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Food contaminated with norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of norovirus illness should contact their healthcare provider, who should report their symptoms to their local Health Department.
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Norovirus in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from France in Italy
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