RECALL: Frozen Scallops Linked to Over 200 Cases of Hepatitis A

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced on Wednesday that some scallops supplied by Sea Port Products Corp. are linked to recent Hepatitis A virus infections.

On August 17, 2016, the Hawaii Department of Health reported that 206 people, all adults, were confirmed to be suffering from Hepatitis A, officials said. Of these 206 people, 51 required hospitalization.

Through investigation, including traceback information and testing of Sea Port Products Corp scallops, it was determined that scallops are the likely source of the illness’. As a result of this finding, Sea Port Products Corp. voluntarily recalled three lots of frozen Bay Scallops.

These scallops were produced on November 23 and 24, 2015. Lot numbers of those recalled include 5885, 5886, and 5887. These products were distributed to California, Hawaii and Nevada, but Sea Port Products Corp officials said these were not intended for retail sale.

Restaurants or any other retailers who believe they are in possession of the recalled product should not serve or sell it. Consumers should also ask for source information before buying scallops to make sure they do not consume the recalled product.

Hepatitis A is contagious liver disease that can cause minor to severe illness lasting from weeks to several months. The illness is usually spread through trace amounts of fecal matter being ingested. Illness takes anywhere from 15-50 days from exposure and most suffer from symptoms including fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool.

Common foodborne sources of the illness are water, shellfish and salad. Consumers are encouraged to thoroughly cook shellfish in order to avoid being infected. To prevent human to human spread, consumers should thoroughly wash their hands after using the restroom or changing a diaper.

If you believe you are ill as a result of scallop consumption, you should contact your healthcare provider.

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