The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume oysters imported from the Washington area because they may be linked to an outbreak of an intestinal disease in the United States.

The Washington State Department of Health reported that oysters harvested between July 3 and Aug. 3 in the Hood Canal 6 area were linked to six cases of vibriosis in California.

Vibriosis, caused by naturally occurring bacteria, causes diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever and chills. These symptoms usually appear about 12 to 24 hours after eating infected shellfish. Severe illness from Vibriosis is rare.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the oysters in Canada.

The oysters were imported to British Columbia by Albion Fisheries Ltd. and distributed to food service establishments.

They were also sold at the following retail stores:

  • Country Grocers, 1153 Esquimalt Road, Victoria, B.C., from Aug. 2 to 8
  • Mad Dog Crabs, 775 Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C., from Aug. 2 to 8
  • Peninsula Co-op, 2132 Keating Cross Road, Saanichton, B.C., from Aug. 4 to 8
  • Thrifty's, 6th and England Avenue, Courtney, B.C., from Aug. 3 to 8
  • Thrifty's, 280 East Island Highway, Parksville, B.C., from Aug. 2 to 8
  • Village Food Markets, 6661 Sooke Road, Sooke, B.C., from Aug. 4 to 8

For more information, consumers can contact Albion Fisheries Ltd. at 604-875-9424, ext. 357, or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at 1-800-442-2342.