Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Oysters Sickens Over 80 at L.A. Times Food Event
An evening dedicated to celebrating Los Angeles’ vibrant culinary scene took a grim turn earlier this month, as over 80 attendees of the Los Angeles Times’ “101 Best Restaurants” reveal party reported severe gastrointestinal illness. The outbreak, traced to contaminated oysters served at the event, has been linked to norovirus, health officials confirmed.
The event, held on December 3 at the Hollywood Palladium, showcased dishes from some of Southern California’s most esteemed restaurants. However, what began as a celebration of excellence ended with dozens of attendees experiencing symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chills. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health revealed that oysters served at the event, sourced from British Columbia-based Fanny Bay Oysters, were the likely cause.
Outbreak Details
Mark Kapczynski, an attendee who purchased VIP tickets for nearly $700, described feeling ill shortly after consuming two plates of raw oysters. “It felt like someone was grabbing my stomach,” he recounted. Within days, his wife and son also fell ill, though they had not eaten oysters. Symptoms lasted several days for most victims, and some required hospitalization.
The outbreak has prompted a recall of Fanny Bay Oysters, distributed by Pacific Northwest Shellfish Co., with pack dates of November 25, 2024, or later. Public Health officials emphasized the risk associated with consuming raw seafood, which can harbor viruses like norovirus despite appearing fresh.
Event Organizers Respond
In a statement, the Los Angeles Times emphasized that all vendors adhered to food safety standards. Hillary Manning, a spokesperson for the newspaper, confirmed that Santa Monica Seafood, a sponsor and vendor at the event, sourced the oysters. Manning urged affected individuals to report their illnesses to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Javier Cabral, a food journalist and attendee, described his ordeal as the worst food poisoning of his life. “It was two days of relentless vomiting,” Cabral said. Health officials have since reached out to attendees, offering free lab testing and requesting stool samples to aid the investigation.
Broader Implications
This incident is part of a larger norovirus outbreak associated with oysters distributed in the Pacific Northwest. The California Department of Public Health recently reported 57 additional cases linked to the same source.
Public health experts warn that outbreaks like this underscore the inherent risks of consuming raw shellfish. Norovirus, often spread through contaminated food or water, can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and is notoriously difficult to detect in raw oysters.
Moving Forward
While the investigation continues, affected guests are left grappling with the aftermath of what was supposed to be a night of indulgence. For Kapczynski, the experience has been a lesson in caution. “I don’t think I’ll be attending next year,” he said.
Health officials are urging anyone who attended the event and experienced symptoms to come forward. As the L.A. Times and event organizers face questions about oversight and food safety, this outbreak serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance in culinary events.
References:
- More Than 70 People Reported Feeling Ill After Eating Oysters At L.A. Times ‘101 Restaurants’ Food Event – L.A Taco – (Accessed on Dec 20, 2024)
- Dozens sickened by oysters at L.A. Times food event – Ktla – (Accessed on Dec 20, 2024)
- Oysters Sicken at Least 80 at Restaurant Event in Los Angeles, Officials Say – The New York Time – (Accessed on Dec 20, 2024)
- Mass Food Poisoning Event Reported at Party Honoring Best Restaurants in LA – Latin Time – (Accessed on Dec 20, 2024)
