The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), in coordination with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services and the Utah County Health Department, is investigating a norovirus outbreak linked to frozen half shell oysters imported from the Republic of Korea. The investigation follows a recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 24 for Korean frozen half shell oysters from Designated Area No. 1, harvested between December 30, 2024, and February 6, 2025.
Based on new findings, UDAF has expanded the recall to include all oysters from this area harvested through August 6, 2025. “UDAF is advising restaurants and retailers to not serve or sell, and consumers not to eat, any Korean frozen half shell oysters from Designated Area No. 1 harvested between December 30, 2024 and August 6, 2025. At this time, UDAF is aware that product that was recalled in July was distributed to restaurants in Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties and product may have been distributed to additional counties. This is an ongoing investigation and UDAF is working with local, state, and federal partners to ensure a safe food supply and safeguard public health. This advisory is issued due to new evidence of product contamination beyond the initial FDA recall parameters.”
The original FDA recall applied to oysters with certification number KR-15-SP harvested between December 30, 2024, and February 6, 2025. On August 18, UDAF received notification that another lot—certification number KR-15-SP with a harvest date of February 13—also tested positive for norovirus. This lot falls outside the initial scope of the FDA’s advisory.
Norovirus symptoms generally develop within one or two days after exposure. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps as well as fever or headache in some cases. Most individuals recover within several days; however, young children, older adults or those with weakened immune systems could face more severe illness. Individuals who develop symptoms after consuming these oysters are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider and report their illness at igotsick.health.utah.gov. Those affected should avoid preparing food for others until at least two days after symptoms resolve.
This advisory results from joint efforts among local health departments as well as state agencies like DHHS and federal partners such as the FDA. Updates will be posted at ag.utah.gov as more information becomes available.
For concerns or reports related to this matter, contact UDAF’s Division of Regulatory Services at (801) 982-2220.
