Oysters From RI Harvester Recalled Due To Vibrio Outbreak

NARRAGANSETT, RI — If you eat oysters from Rhode Island harvesters, check where they came from, because an outbreak of vibrio parahaemolyticus has called a recall for an oyster farm in Narragansett.

Rocky Rhode Oysters Co., LLC, which does business as Walrus and Carpenter Oysters, recalled all oysters with harvest dates of July 28, 2023, until Aug. 19, 2023, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) said Tuesday.

"This product is being recalled due to a potential link of the harvest area being to a vibrio parahaemolyticus outbreak investigation," a RIDOH spokesperson said. "RIDOH is working closely with partners on the investigation."

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) closed the affected area for harvesting on Saturday.

RIDOH is working with the dealer to ensure that the product is removed from commerce. RIDOH officials said they confirmed the oysters were not distributed out of state and were only sold to Rhode Island restaurants.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills. The illness is usually mild or moderate, although some cases may require hospitalization. Symptoms usually last two or three days.

Children, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system can develop more serious symptoms. Anyone who has eaten raw or improperly cooked shellfish and has these symptoms should call their doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

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