Raw and steamed oysters linked to recent norovirus outbreaks

Food Safety Infosheet Highlights:

- Since December 2009 three oyster-linked outbreaks resulting in over 300 illnesses have been reported in the U.S.
- Ensure that you buy oysters from licensed, reputable suppliers.
- Ask your suppliers about their food safety practices and harvesting sites.
- Tell patrons that steaming is not always an effective cooking step for oysters; steamed is not a safe alternative to raw.

This week’s food safety infosheet is all about oyster-related risks, you can download it here.

Illinois Subway restaurant linked to Shigella sonnei outbreak

Food Safety Infosheet Highlights:

- 7 of 21 linked cases required hospitalization
- Shigella is shed in the poop of infected individuals and for up to two weeks after symptoms have ended. Handwashing is a risk control factor.
- Ron and Sarah Bowers have filed a lawsuit on behalf of their two-year-old son, who began displaying symptoms of shigellosis (nausea, and abdominal cramping) on February 27.

Click here to download.