H’ors D’oevures REGRETS at Swanky LA Gala

A prestigious Los Angeles Times food event turned sour as raw oysters sickened over 80 attendees, prompting a multi-state recall and FDA warning.

At a Glance

  • Over 80 people fell ill after consuming raw oysters at a Los Angeles Times food event
  • The outbreak has been linked to norovirus-contaminated oysters from British Columbia
  • FDA issued a warning against consuming these oysters in 14 states and Washington, D.C.
  • The event, celebrating top restaurants, took place at the Hollywood Palladium on December 3
  • Health officials are investigating to prevent further spread and ensure public safety

Prestigious Event Turns into Health Nightmare

What was meant to be a celebration of culinary excellence at the Los Angeles Times “101 Best Restaurants” event quickly turned into a health crisis. The event, held at the Hollywood Palladium on December 3, saw more than 80 attendees fall ill after consuming raw oysters. The outbreak has since been linked to norovirus, a highly contagious virus known for causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed the extent of the outbreak. “At this time, over 80 attendees that consumed the oysters have reported illness,” a spokesperson for the department stated. The event, which featured top chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, had ticket prices ranging from $264 to over $600, making the incident particularly embarrassing for the organizers.

Tracing the Source: Canadian Oysters Under Scrutiny

The outbreak has been traced to Fanny Bay Select and Fanny Bay XS oysters from Pacific Northwest Shellfish Co., harvested in British Columbia, Canada. These oysters, packed on November 25 or later, are now subject to a recall notice issued on December 13. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended its warning to 14 states and Washington, D.C., advising against the consumption of these potentially contaminated oysters.

“We have produced culinary events for many years and take food safety very seriously,” Hillary Manning, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Times, said in an email. “As is the case with each of our events, we had protocols in place and, based on an inspection from the L.A. County Department of Public Health, we were in compliance with all relevant safety standards. We also know the care that each chef and restaurant takes in preparing and serving food to our community.”

Santa Monica Seafood, the supplier of the oysters, has stated they are cooperating with the investigation. They maintain that there is no evidence of mishandling in the supply chain, including by their company or the restaurants participating in the event.

Understanding Norovirus and Its Risks

Norovirus, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include stomach pain, body aches, and fever.

Oysters are particularly susceptible to norovirus contamination as they can absorb the virus when sewage contaminates ocean waters. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with consuming raw seafood, even at high-profile events with stringent food safety protocols in place.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Measures

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is continuing its investigation into the outbreak to prevent further spread and ensure public safety. The FDA’s warning extends to multiple states, highlighting the potential for widespread impact from a single contaminated source. Consumers are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about any updates regarding the recall and potential health risks associated with these oysters.

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