Recall Alert: South Korean Oysters Linked to Norovirus in the U.S.

Oysters imported from South Korea are back in the news following a recall in the United States due to potential norovirus contamination.

Details of the Recall

This month, Wang Globalnet, a Vernon, California-based importer and distributor specializing in traditional Korean and Asian foods, alongside Capital Trading, a wholesale distributor located in Murray, Utah, issued alerts to recall their oysters.

The recall involves approximately 1,200 cases of frozen half-shell oysters that were harvested on January 12, 2025, in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. These oysters were distributed in California and Utah, and the recall was prompted after several cases of illness were reported in Utah.

Previous Concerns

This is not the first incident this year involving South Korean frozen half-shell oysters. In March, another seafood wholesaler based in Los Angeles, Sea Win, recalled 650 cases of oysters due to similar concerns surrounding norovirus contamination. This recall was later expanded to 1,500 cases.

Following that, in May, Pacific American Fish Company, also based in Vernon, California, announced a recall of their raw frozen oyster half-shells imported from South Korea for the same contamination fears.

Health Implications

The presence of norovirus in food products can pose serious health risks, as it is highly contagious and can cause gastroenteritis in those affected. Consumers are advised to check their freezers for the recalled oysters and discard them immediately to avoid any potential health issues.

Conclusion

As the situation develops, health officials recommend consumers stay informed about food recalls to ensure safety. The recent series of recalls from South Korean oyster imports highlights the importance of rigorous food safety protocols to prevent foodborne illnesses.

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