Norovirus in fresh oysters from the Netherlands

This is the first RASFF alert on Dutch products in 2015. In 2014, dutch oysters were concerned with one alert posted by Denmark.

Oysters and Norovirus

Oysters and bivalve molluscs in general represent an important risk of contamination by foodborne viruses. In 2015, 31% of RASFF
alerts were for oysters, from french and dutch origins.

Oyster Production in Holland

According to Zeeuwseoesters 1.5 million flat oysters are sold yearly. Pacific oysters represent 30 million units.

Dutch oysters sold

Holland is the second largest exporter in EU, after France. 20% of its production goes to Italy, country who posted this RASFF alert.

Norovirus in fresh oysters from the Netherlands

Norovirus in oysters from France

For the 4th time this year, french oysters have been detected for a contamination with Norovirus.

The last April alert meant a destruction of the products exported to Italy.


Italy has posted 4 different alerts on Virus (Norovirus) Contamination on the RASFF since early January 2015.



Norovirus is a very contagious virus that can infect anyone. You can get it from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touchingcontaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed. This leads you to have stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea and to throw up. (Source CDC : http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/)

Norovirus in mollusks : two new alerts from the RASFF

Two new alerts have been posted on the RASFF [Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed] in March 2015 for mollusks contaminated by Norovirus.

Norovirus and Clams

Once again, vietnamese clams have been caught in the nest by EU authorities for a contamination by norovirus. They were rejected at border. This is the third alert on vietnamese clams this year only. It amounted 26 alerts in 2014 for the same products (clams) from the same origin (Vietnam).

Norovirus and Oysters

French oysters were controlled positive for norovirus for the second time this year, adding up to the five alerts on french produce in 2014.

There is also an ongoing ban from Hong Kong on irish oysters contaminated with norovirus.

More information on RASFF 2014 virus Alerts can be found at http://www.ceeram.com/norovirus-border-rejection-rasff-2015-3.html#

Several Food Safety alerts in European Mollusks in November 2014

In the last week, no less than 3 alerts have been published in the RASFF European alert System for



Norovirus 2014.1511 : Norovirus in Spanish Mussels - Italian Alert - Nov. 2014 - Origin Spain - Information
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Norovirus 2014.1503 : Norovirus in French Oysters - Italian Alert - Nov. 2014 - Origin France - Information
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Norovirus 2014.1488 : Norovirus in French Oysters - Norwegian Alert - Nov. 2014 - Origin France - Information
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This adds up to reach 57 food Safety Alerts in Europe for Viruses (Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus)

This is to compare with the 48 alerts from 2013.

Norovirus contaminates french oysters

Since the beginning of 2014, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed has registered 32 alerts on Viruses (Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus)

Norovirus and oysters

Among those 32 alerts, 5 were on oysters from 3 differents countries in Europe : Spain, the Netherlands, and France, contaminated by norovirus.

French Oysters contaminated by Norovirus

The oysters from 3 of the 5 alerts were french origin. All of those oysters were norovirus positive.

Norovirus and detection

ISO 15216 enables the laboratories to have access to a standardized method for the detection and identification of norovirus in food samples. Standardized kits are also available from ceeram for ease of detection.



Norovirus contaminates french oysters

Oysters contaminated with norovirus in US

FDA warns consumers not to eat oysters from Copano Bay in Aransas County, Texas
Oysters harvested from Copano Bay linked to norovirus illnesses in Louisiana

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm382247.htm