FDA Alerts Public to Concerns Regarding Newfoundland Mussel Consumption

"FDA Urges Caution: Mussels Linked to Pathogen Contamination from Allen’s Fisheries in Newfoundland, Canada" The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory urging restaurants and food retailers to refrain from serving or selling mussels sourced from Allen’s Fisheries, harvested on February 7, 2024, with a final harvest date of February 18, from harvest area AQ #15 in Newfoundland, Canada, due to potential pathogen or biotoxin contamination. These mussels, shipped to distributors in Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania around February 21, might have also reached other states, cautioned the FDA. The alert follows a report from the New Jersey Department of Health, notifying the FDA of an outbreak of illnesses associated with mussel consumption in the state, presenting symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. "The FDA is currently gathering additional details on the mussels' distribution and will continue to collaborate with state authorities in their investigation," stated the administration. As the investigation progresses, the FDA will provide updates on the safety advisory. This warning adds to a series of seafood alerts issued by the FDA in 2024. In January, the administration reported a norovirus outbreak in San Diego, California, linked to contaminated Mexican-origin oysters. Meanwhile, in Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for Star Fresh brand frozen fish balls, cautioning consumers with related allergies of an undeclared egg ingredient. The product was distributed in Ontario province.