The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall for oysters harvested from a Prince Edward Island shellfish company due to possible salmonella contamination. The recall affects Malpeque oysters from an unnamed P.E.I. supplier, distributed in Nova Scotia and potentially other regions.
Recall Details
The CFIA announced the recall on June 30, 2026, following an investigation into a salmonella outbreak. Consumers are advised to check for oysters labeled as Malpeque and to either discard them or return them to the point of purchase. The agency warns that contaminated oysters may look, smell, and taste normal but can cause serious illness, especially in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
According to the CFIA, symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, typically appearing 6 to 72 hours after exposure. Most people recover within a week, but severe cases may require hospitalization.
Impact and Response
The recall has raised concerns among seafood distributors and consumers in Nova Scotia, where the oysters were primarily sold. The CFIA is working with the company to remove affected products from the market and has urged retailers and food service establishments not to serve or sell the recalled oysters. No illnesses have been confirmed as of the recall date, but the investigation is ongoing.
“We take food safety very seriously and are cooperating fully with the CFIA to ensure public health,” said a spokesperson for the shellfish company in a statement. The company has halted distribution of the affected batch pending further testing.
Broader Context
This recall comes amid heightened scrutiny of shellfish safety in the region. In 2025, a similar recall of P.E.I. oysters was linked to norovirus, prompting calls for stricter monitoring. The CFIA recommends that consumers who have recently purchased Malpeque oysters contact their retailer for refund information.
