Recall of Shellfish Harvested from Texas Waters

EHS Circular Letter # 2008-14

Date: March 10, 2008

To: Local Directors of Health
Chief Sanitarians
Certified Food Inspectors
Interested Parties
From: Tracey Weeks, MS, RS, Food Protection Program

Subject: Recall of Shellfish Harvested from Texas Waters

The Department of Public Health Food Protection Program (FPP) has been notified of a recall involving oysters, clams, and mussels harvested from Aransas, Corpus Christi, and Copano bays, located off the coast of Texas. The recall includes shellfish harvested from these three bays on March 1, 2008 or later and does not include any other seafood products. The recall was initiated because of an algae bloom known to cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). No cases of illness have been reported.

According to the results of a telephone survey conducted by the Connecticut Dept of Agriculture/ Bureau of Aquaculture, none of Connecticut's licensed shellstock shippers listed in the FDA Certifed Shellstock Shipper List have purchased the Texas product under recall. Local Health departments should be aware that Connecticut retail establishments may have purchased the recalled shellfish from dealers in other states or from Connecticut dealers that are not licensed by the Department of Agriculture.

Consumers who purchased shellfish on March 1, 2008 or later are advised not to eat the product until they can verify where the shellfish was harvested. They can do this by calling the store where the shellfish was purchased to determine the date and location of harvest.

Local health departments are advised to notify establishments in their jurisdiction that are known to sell or serve clams, mussels, or oysters and inform them of the recall. Refer any cases of foodborne illness to their physicians for appropriate evaluation and testing, and forward a completed copy of the Foodborne Illness Complaint Form, as warranted.

If you identify establishments that have received recalled product or have questions concerning this recall, contact the Bureau of Aquaculture at 203-874-0696.