Oysters distributed in Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia recalled

Future Seafoods, Inc. distributed oysters to restaurants and retailers in 10 states in the United States namely Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia from October 10-16, 2023. These oysters have been recalled.

Based in Silver Spring, Maryland, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising these restaurants and food retailers not to sell and to dispose of the oysters. Consumers are advised not to eat the oysters due to the possible presence of Salmonella and E. coli.

Future Seafoods oysters

On October 10, 2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency tested oysters and discovered the presence of Salmonella and unacceptable levels of generic E. coli and on October 18, 2023, the agency informed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the testing results from the contaminated product. On October 26, 2023, Future Seafoods initiated a voluntary recall of all oysters.

Food contaminated with Salmonella and E. coli may look, smell and taste normal, according to the FDA. If eaten raw, contaminated oysters can cause salmonellosis, which usually lasts four to seven days.

Typically, people infected with Salmonella will begin to develop symptoms 12-72 hours after infection. Most people recover without treatment.

The symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, the symptoms include a high fever, a rash, headaches, lethargy and blood in the urine or stool.

Bedeque

Future Seafoods is based in Bedeque, Prince Edward Island, Canada, a historic agricultural community overlooking Bedeque Bay. Settled in the late 18th century, the region holds deep roots in Acadian, Loyalist, and Mi’kmaq heritage, with its name derived from the Mi’kmaq word Eptek, meaning “hot place” (referencing the warmer waters of the south shore).

Surrounded by rolling hills and red-soil farmland, Bedeque has long been a center for PEI’s world-renowned potato farming industry. The area gained municipal prominence in 2014 when it amalgamated with neighboring Central Bedeque to form the rural community of Bedeque and Area.

Cultural heritage plays a prominent role in the community. The Bedeque Area Museum highlights local history, showcasing artifacts from early shipbuilding days, agricultural developments, and notable regional figures. Among its historical claims to fame, the town is closely connected to “Anne of Green Gables” author L.M. Montgomery, who taught at the nearby Lower Bedeque Schoolhouse from late 1897 to the spring of 1898.