A BC seafood company has recalled some of its live prawns for the risk of possible norovirus contamination.
Richmond-based Tri-Star Seafood Supply Ltd. issued the withdrawal through Health Canada on Tuesday. The products were sold in BC, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario, but may have been distributed in other parts of the country as well.
The live prawn season is a popular annual culinary event in BC, lasting between six and eight weeks and usually starting in May.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency was investigating an outbreak of foodborne illness, which led to the withdrawal. Some diseases have been reported and are associated with eating the product, Health Canada said.
The removal is of live prawns with the codes AJ200-021, CA001-1532 and CA001-1540.
Symptoms of norovirus disease may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps, and usually appear 24 to 48 hours after exposure. Anyone who thinks they got sick from remembered prawns should call their doctor.
“Most people feel better in a day or two, the symptoms resolve on their own and do not experience long-term health effects,” Health Canada said in a statement on the withdrawal.
“As with any disease that causes diarrhea or vomiting, sick people should drink plenty of fluids to replace lost body fluids and prevent dehydration. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and given fluids intravenously.”
Earlier this year, an outbreak of norovirus in BC oysters caused a widespread withdrawal that affected several businesses. According to Health Canada, 339 cases of norovirus and gastrointestinal disease were reported in connection with these products. Nearly 90 percent of these cases were reported to BC
At least 103 BC raw oyster-related norovirus diseases have been reported in the US