'I threw up two dozen times': Dinner turns into nightmare as more than 80 guests get sick after eating oysters

Plus de 80 participants qui ont mangé les huîtres à l’événement ont signalé avoir la diarrhée, des vomissements et des douleurs abdominales. – SKRYPKO IEVGEN

Lors d’un évènement célébrant les meilleurs restaurants de Los Angeles, le 3 décembre dernier, plus de 80 personnes sont tombées malades après avoir mangé des huîtres lors du repas.

The outbreak occurred at a Dec. 3 event at the Hollywood Palladium to celebrate the Los Angeles Times’ list of the 101 Best Restaurants, reports ABC News.

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“It was a disaster”

“At this point, more than 80 people who ate the oysters have reported getting sick,” a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said.

More than 80 attendees who ate the oysters at the event reported diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting, explains USA Today

“It was a disaster,” the guest told the American newspaper. These are the best restaurants in Los Angeles. You think you're safe. But it's not what you expect,” a diner told the New York Times.

Another, an editor of a local food magazine, recalls the harrowing night he spent: “Two small oysters made me fall in a way that scared me a little. I threw up at least two dozen times.”

The contamination caused a scandal, especially since the ticket prices were around 150 euros. And it cost around 575 euros for a VIP seat.

An investigation is underway

The oysters that were served and have since been recalled are Fanny Bay Select and Fanny Bay XS oysters from Pacific Northwest Shellfish Co. All were contaminated with the norovirus. Also known as the Norwalk virus, it is the most common cause of gastroenteritis.

Following the recall, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to 15 states on December 18, warning them not to sell or consume the oysters in question.

Santa Monica Seafood, the retailer that supplied the oysters for the event, said it was “aware of the ongoing investigation” and was cooperating with the health department.

And added: “There is no evidence to suggest mishandling at any point in the supply chain.”