Raw oysters served at the Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants event at the Hollywood Palladium on December 3rd have been linked to a norovirus outbreak, sickening over 80 attendees. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed the outbreak to various news outlets, including L.A. Taco, ABC News, and the Los Angeles Times.
Following the event, numerous attendees reported symptoms consistent with norovirus, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. L.A. Taco initially reported the incident, and the Times later confirmed that the oysters were supplied by Fanny Bay Oysters, sourced through event sponsor Santa Monica Seafood. However, Santa Monica Seafood informed the New York Times that the oysters were actually sourced from a different company, which has since voluntarily recalled the product.
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Times spokesperson Hillary Manning emphasized the event’s commitment to food safety, stating that protocols were in place and compliant with health department standards. She also highlighted the meticulous food preparation practices of participating chefs and restaurants.
In response to the outbreak, Fanny Bay Oysters has recalled affected products with pack dates of November 25th, 2024, or later, distributed by Pacific Northwest Shellfish Co. The company has halted shipments and emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of its products before resuming distribution.
The California Department of Public Health issued a warning on December 13th advising against consuming raw oysters harvested from British Columbia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also issued a warning to restaurants and retailers, recommending against selling potentially contaminated oysters.
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One attendee, Mark Kapczynski, described severe illness following the event, requiring him to miss work and seek medical attention. He criticized the crowded venue and the open presentation of the oysters, suggesting potential contamination pathways. He expressed disappointment, given the high reputation of the participating restaurants.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is actively investigating the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identifies norovirus as the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, emphasizing the importance of handwashing and proper food handling.
