Clearwater — FDA Warns of Norovirus Risk in Raw Oysters and Clams

Clearwater, FL (March 10th, 2026) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a health alert after raw oysters and clams harvested from Drayton Harbor, Washington, tested positive for potential norovirus contamination. The recalled shellfish were distributed to restaurants and retailers in nine states, including Florida, between February 13 and March 3, 2026. Consumers and food establishments should immediately check their inventory and avoid consumption of these products.

Key Takeaways:

• Raw oysters from Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and Manila clams from Lummi Indian Business Council have been recalled due to potential norovirus contamination
• The affected products were harvested between February 13 and March 3, 2026, and distributed to nine states, including Florida
• Norovirus causes severe stomach illness with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain
• Clearwater residents who consumed contaminated products and became ill may have legal options through a product recall lawyer
• Restaurants and retailers must immediately stop serving or selling these products and dispose of them

If you or a loved one got sick after eating raw oysters or clams, contact our product liability lawyers at Light & Wyatt Law Group today. Call (727) 499-9900 for a free consultation.

What You Need to Know About the Oyster and Clam Recall 

The FDA’s recall notice specifically identifies raw oysters harvested by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and Manila clams harvested by Lummi Indian Business Council. These products came from Drayton Harbor, Washington, and were distributed to restaurants and food retailers across nine states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

Florida restaurants and retailers that source fresh seafood may have received these products. The FDA has instructed all food establishments to stop serving or selling the recalled oysters and clams and to dispose of them immediately. Clearwater consumers who purchased raw oysters or Manila clams during this timeframe should verify the source and harvest date before consumption.

Understanding Norovirus and Its Health Risks

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, norovirus can infect people of all ages and spreads very easily. The virus causes acute gastroenteritis, commonly called the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” though it is not related to influenza. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, with additional symptoms that may include fever, headache, and body aches.

Most people develop symptoms 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. While the majority of individuals recover within one to three days, the illness can be particularly serious for young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Dehydration from severe vomiting and diarrhea represents the most significant health risk, especially when victims cannot keep fluids down.

When Contaminated Food Products Become a Legal Matter 

When products cause harm, consumers have legal rights under product liability law. If you or a family member became seriously ill after consuming contaminated oysters or clams from this recall, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This is especially true if the illness required hospitalization, resulted in complications, or affected vulnerable family members.

Product liability claims involving contaminated food products require establishing several key elements. You must show that the product was contaminated or otherwise defective, that you suffered injury or illness as a result, and that the product was used as intended. In cases involving recalled shellfish, documentation becomes critical, including proof of purchase, medical records confirming norovirus infection, and evidence linking your illness to the consumed product.

Who Can Be Held Liable

Multiple parties in the seafood supply chain may bear responsibility for contaminated shellfish. Harvesters who fail to follow proper safety protocols or harvest from contaminated waters, distributors who do not maintain appropriate handling and storage conditions, and restaurants or retailers who serve or sell products after learning of contamination risks can all face liability claims.

Florida law allows injured consumers to pursue compensation from any party in the distribution chain whose actions or negligence contributed to the illness. Therefore, you do not necessarily need to identify which specific party was responsible for the contamination, as long as you can demonstrate the product was contaminated and directly caused your injuries.

Protecting Yourself from Defective Products

A defective product is any item that poses unreasonable risks to consumers due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings. Food contamination typically falls into the manufacturing defect category, where the product became dangerous during harvesting, processing, or handling rather than due to an inherent design problem.

Clearwater residents should stay informed about recalls by regularly checking FDA alerts, news updates, and signing up for recall notifications. When a food recall is announced, immediately check your refrigerator and freezer for affected products. Never taste a potentially contaminated product to determine if it is safe, as even a small amount can cause severe illness.

Steps to Take If You Have Recalled Products

If you discover recalled oysters or Manila clams in your possession, do not consume them under any circumstances. Throw the products away in a sealed bag to prevent others from accessing them, or return them to the store for a refund. Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces, utensils, cutting boards, or containers that came into contact with the shellfish using hot, soapy water followed by a sanitizing solution.

The FDA advises anyone who develops symptoms of norovirus infection after consuming these products to contact their healthcare provider immediately. Inform your doctor about your exposure to potentially contaminated shellfish, as this information aids in proper diagnosis and treatment. Keep all medical records, receipts, and documentation of your illness, as these materials become important evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a claim for food poisoning in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from contaminated food, is generally two years from the date of injury. However, the timeline can vary depending on specific circumstances, so consulting with an attorney promptly protects your rights and ensures important evidence is preserved.

What kind of compensation can I receive for norovirus illness from contaminated shellfish?

Compensation may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, loss of earning capacity if complications develop, and damages for pain and suffering. In cases involving severe illness requiring hospitalization, long-term health complications, or illness affecting children or elderly family members, compensation amounts may be substantial.

Do I need proof of purchase to file a claim?

While proof of purchase strengthens your case, it is not always required. Medical records showing norovirus infection, testimony about where and when you consumed the shellfish, credit card statements from restaurant visits, and other circumstantial evidence can support your claim. An attorney can help gather the necessary documentation to build a strong case even without a receipt.

Your Legal Options After Becoming Ill from Contaminated Food

If you suffered significant illness from consuming contaminated oysters or clams, consulting with a defective products lawyer helps you understand your legal rights and options. Product liability cases involving food contamination require thorough investigation into the source of contamination, the distribution chain, the severity of your injuries, and the financial impact on your life.

An experienced attorney can gather critical evidence, identify all potentially liable parties, and build a strong case for fair compensation. This includes obtaining and analyzing medical records, securing expert testimony about the contamination and your illness, documenting your financial losses from medical bills and missed work, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. Legal representation becomes particularly important when dealing with large seafood companies, distributors, and their insurance carriers, who often have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability.

If you or someone you love became seriously ill after consuming recalled shellfish in Clearwater or elsewhere in Florida, contact Light & Wyatt Law Group at (727) 499-9900 for a free consultation about your case.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association