Oysters with norovirus

Warning of noroviruses in oysters

20.12.2012

Gourmets are threatened with severe gastrointestinal infection by Norovirus in oysters. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection warns against oysters of the brand „Umami Oyster“ the Dutch manufacturer Bonton Products. The virus-contaminated clams were imported by the company Fidi Pus in Kehl, which subsequently distributed the goods mainly in the Stuttgart area. The oysters, which are stable until 21 and 24 December, should not be eaten because of imminent health risks, but should be returned to the seller or destroyed.

In the past few months, Noroviruses have caused a growing amount of scare news in the media. For example, they are considered the trigger of severe gastrointestinal infections, which more than 10,000 students in eastern Germany had been ill just over two months ago. Noroviruses are often spread by contaminated food. For example, cold strawberries from China were the source of infection among East German students. Now the health authorities warn against Dutch oysters infected with norovirus. Especially for people with an already weakened immune system, the viruses can definitely pose a significant health risk. After enjoying the delicacy, you may experience severe gastrointestinal infection with typical symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Accompanying the sufferers of Norovirus infection often suffer from headaches and general fatigue.

The EU Food Safety Authority had issued a rapid alert system informing them of the Irish oysters processed in Holland. These had come from the Netherlands to Germany, Belgium, Denmark and Norway. Norovirus was identified in a sample of oysters from December 13th. (Fp)

Picture: w.r.wagner