FDA: Don't Eat Possibly Contaminated Groton Oysters

GROTON, CT — The federal Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to restaurants and retailers to avoid serving or selling raw oysters from an area in Groton. The warning is specifically for oysters harvested between Aug. 28 and Aug. 30.

The FDA is advising consumers not to eat and restaurants and food retailers not to sell oysters from an approved area in Groton "due to sample results showing potential contamination."

"Contaminated oysters can cause illness, especially if eaten raw, particularly in people with compromised immune systems," the FDA wrote. "Food contaminated with pathogens may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing food poisoning symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, or fever should contact their healthcare provider, who should report their symptoms to their local Health Department."

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Aquaculture closed two approved oyster harvest areas Aug. 31 in Groton due to the contamination.

The contaminated oysters were distributed to retailers and distributors in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

All impacted commercial harvesters agreed to voluntarily recall oysters that may have been contaminated.

The affected area will remain closed until the source of contamination is identified and corrected, according to the FDA.