Coffin Bay Oysters Recalled

After receiving confirmation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters from Coffin Bay, SA Health has initiated a recall, and is advising South Australians not to consume them.

SA Health’s Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Dr Chris Lease, said after the health warning issued last Friday, in South Australia there have now been 56 cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections linked to eating raw oysters since September 2021, and three people have been hospitalised.

“This recall is an additional safety measure on top of the precautionary closure of the Coffin Bay Growing Area recently imposed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA),” Dr Lease said.

“We have been monitoring the number of cases closely since September and can now confirm the presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters from Coffin Bay.

“Food borne Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection causes symptoms of gastro, including diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache, and usually occurs within 24 hours of eating the contaminated food.

“We are encouraging people to either throw away any Coffin Bay oysters or return them to their place of purchase.

“Food-borne illnesses can be quite serious for more vulnerable people in our community, such as older South Australians, pregnant people and people with compromised immune systems.”

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