B.C. oyster recall issued by Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a food recall for oysters harvested in British Columbia on or before Aug. 18 due to a bacterium that causes gastrointestinal illness. 

Vibrio parahaemolyticus can cause symptoms that include diarrhea, cramps, vomiting and fever that can last up to a week. It's a naturally occurring bacteria that is more likely to be present with warmer water temperatures.

The food recall applies to oysters intended for raw consumption. The recalled products can be returned to the store where they were purchased or simply thrown out.

According to the food inspection agency, consumers can avoid getting sick by cooking the oysters before eating them.

Last week Vancouver Coastal Health ordered restaurants to cook all oysters from B.C. waters prior to serving them for the same reason. The health advisory said there were 31 reported cases of illnesses.