raw oysters at the origin of a norovirus epidemic which sickened at least 80 people in Los Angeles

Bad surprise for the guests of an event organized on December 3 at the Hollywood Palladium, a performance hall in Los Angles (United States). A norovirus outbreak broke out in the aftermath, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, due to raw oysters eaten by guests. In total, at least 80 people were infected with the virus during the event organized by the Los Angeles Times which wanted to celebrate its list of the 101 best restaurants in the City of Angels.

“At present, more than 80 people who consumed oysters have reported illness”a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said Friday, in comments relayed by ABC News. The oysters pointed out by the authorities are Fanny Bay Select oysters and Fanny Bay XS oysters from the company Pacific Northwest Shellfish Co, specify our American colleagues. They were immediately recalled.

Local authorities have clarified that the expiry date of the sea molluscs is not in question: the packaging of the oysters was carried out on November 25 and the expiry date set for December 13. While waiting to clarify the situation and define the extent of the contamination, the Food and Drug Administration, responsible for monitoring foodstuffs, requested on Wednesday that the oysters in question not be sold or consumed.

In total, fifteen American states are affected. Santa Monica Seafood, which supplied the oysters for the event, says it is “aware of the ongoing investigation into the recent outbreak of foodborne illness linked to the oysters served” but believes “there is no evidence to suggest a mishandling at any point in the supply chain.

In France, norovirus made a notable appearance at the start of the year during the holidays, causing vomiting and diarrhea in people who had eaten oysters. In question, a combination of heavy rains and the presence of the gastroenteritis virus in the population which particularly affected certain oyster farms. But this year, local professionals say they have taken steps to avoid a second wave of norovirus contamination.