Health authorities are investigating a potential norovirus outbreak following reports of illness among dozens of attendees at the L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants event, which took place on December 3, 2024. The event, celebrated for showcasing the best dining experiences across the city, has left more than 80 people sick, prompting a response from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH).
The majority of those affected reported symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, leading health officials to focus their investigation on raw oysters served at the event. The oysters, which have since been recalled, were linked to the illness outbreak, according to a statement from the LACDPH.
The annual event, which attracts food lovers and critics from across the region, featured a variety of culinary offerings from top restaurants in Los Angeles. One of the event’s sponsors, Santa Monica Seafood, supplied raw oysters from Fanny Bay Oysters, based in British Columbia, to several restaurants participating in the event.
The Los Angeles Times confirmed that all safety protocols were followed during the event, ensuring compliance with local health standards. Hillary Manning, a spokesperson for the L.A. Times, expressed the organization’s commitment to food safety, stating, “We have produced culinary events for many years and take food safety very seriously. Based on an inspection by the L.A. County Department of Public Health, we were in compliance with all relevant safety standards.”
Despite these measures, health officials are investigating how norovirus could have contaminated the oysters. Norovirus is notoriously difficult to detect without specific testing, as it does not affect the appearance, smell, or taste of food. As of December 13, the California Department of Public Health issued a statewide warning, advising consumers to avoid raw oysters harvested from British Columbia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also alerted restaurants and retailers to remove these oysters from sale due to potential contamination.
The oysters in question have been recalled by the supplying company, Fanny Bay Oysters, in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health. The recall extends beyond California, impacting multiple states where the oysters were distributed. Affected consumers and businesses have been urged to dispose of any remaining oysters sourced from this batch.
The public health investigation was launched after the L.A. Times received reports of illnesses on December 11, which prompted the newspaper to contact the LACDPH. While many attendees were informed through media outlets about the recall, some reported that they were not alerted directly by health authorities. One attendee, Jamie Clegg, who attended the event, mentioned, “I never received any notice or alert from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health regarding the oysters or any potential risks.”
Raw oysters are a known source of norovirus contamination, which can spread quickly through contaminated shellfish. Symptoms of norovirus infection typically appear within 12 to 48 hours of exposure and include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever. Though not typically life-threatening, norovirus can be especially concerning for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
It is important to note that norovirus contamination does not alter the taste, appearance, or odor of oysters, which makes detection difficult without laboratory testing. Health officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage any attendees who feel unwell to seek medical attention.
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