Korean shellfish imports have been curbed by the FDA after the agency's regulators determined poor sanitation practices exposed oysters, mussels, clams and scallops to human waste.
Contaminated shellfish may carry the norovirus, a cause of acute gastroenteritis. No current outbreaks of the virus have been reported yet, the FDA said.
However, in October, an outbreak infected three people who had eaten Korean oysters; no one was hospitalized or seriously ill from the exposure. Norovirus is typically not life threatening.
The agency recommended stores and distributors stop selling Korean shellfish. The advisory does not affect Korean crab or shrimp or any shellfish grown and produced domestically.
Individuals who've recently purchased shellfish may inquire of its origin by contacting the retailer. The origin of canned shellfish is displayed for inspection on the can.
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