Vibrio parahaemolyticus Detected in Oysters in California

The California Department of Health (CDPH) has announced the voluntary recall of shucked and in-shell raw oysters from Drakes Bay Oyster Company in Inverness, California, due to a Vibrio parahaemolyticus contamination.

There have been three illnesses in California linked to the infected oysters, according to health reports.

The shucked oysters are sold in a 9 ounce, 1-pint, 1 quart and half-gallon jars or tubs. They have a Drakes Bay Oyster Farm label along with lot numbers of 363 through 421. The in-shell raw oysters are sold in either individual bags or bags ranging in size from 1 dozen to 10 dozen. They are also marked with dates of July 17 through August 8, 2012, indicating their harvest.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium that can cause intestinal infections with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, and abdominal cramps. Typically, infected individuals will recover without treatment within a few days. Cases of severe illness and death are rare, but people with weak immune systems are at a higher risk.

“The infection caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus usually results from consuming raw or inadequately cooked seafood, particularly raw oysters,” states Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Science at a food and environmental testing laboratory. “LA Testing, Inc. analyzes for V. parahaemolyticus in our advanced microbiology laboratories, including our location in South Pasadena, CA.”

To learn more about LA Testing’s food testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing, Inc.
LA Testing is a local provider of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com