Dozens Fall Ill After Eating Raw Oysters at LA Food Event Celebrating Top Restaurants

80 Sickened After Eating Raw Oysters at LA Times 101 Best Restaurants Event

Oysters Recalled Following Norovirus Outbreak; Health Authorities Issue Warning to Restaurants

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a norovirus outbreak that has affected at least 80 people who ate raw oysters during the L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants event on December 3.

According to the health department, attendees who consumed the oysters have reported symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The majority of those affected experienced gastrointestinal distress.

The oysters, sourced from Santa Monica Seafood, a sponsor of the event, were supplied to one of the restaurants featured in the event’s prestigious “101 Best Restaurants” list. The oysters in question were identified as Fanny Bay Select and Fanny Bay XS varieties from Pacific Northwest Shellfish Co., sourced from British Columbia.

The outbreak is now part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation, and the oysters have been recalled. The affected batches, identified as BC740SP, were packed on November 25, 2024, or later.

On December 13, 2024, the FDA issued an advisory for restaurants and retailers to immediately halt the sale and service of these specific oysters due to potential norovirus contamination.

Health authorities are urging those who consumed oysters from the event to monitor their health and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.