Five Star Shellfish Oysters Recalled in Canada Over Salmonella Risk

Five Star Shellfish Inc. is recalling several varieties of its brand oysters from the Canadian marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. The affected products were distributed in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec, and consumers are being urged to check their homes and avoid consuming the recalled shellfish.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

The recall covers multiple Five Star Shellfish Inc. brand oyster products, including ‘Malpeque oysters’ in 100 count, 25 count, and 2.5 lbs packages, ‘Conway Pearls oysters’ in 100 count, ‘Blackberry oysters’ in 100 count, and ‘Gooseberry oysters’ in 100 count. The products carry harvest and processing dates of 22-JUNE-26, with shipping dates of either 22-JUNE-26 or 23-JUNE-26, and were harvested from location PEI 1Q. Some packages carry UPC codes 8 97848 00001 5 and 8 97848 00018 3, while others have no UPC listed. Grades vary across the lots, including Mix/Std, Sm/Std, Standard, and Choice.

Why Was This Recall Issued?

The recall was triggered after testing conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) detected possible Salmonella contamination in the oysters. Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look, smell, or taste spoiled, yet it can still cause illness in people who consume it. As of the recall notice, no illnesses linked to consumption of these products had been reported.

Who Is Affected?

Consumers in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec who purchased Five Star Shellfish Inc. brand oysters are affected by this recall. Salmonella infections can cause serious illness in young children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals typically experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, while some cases can lead to long-term complications including severe arthritis.

What Should You Do?

• Check your refrigerator or freezer for any of the recalled oyster products listed above
• Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute any recalled products
• Throw out recalled products or return them to the location where they were purchased
• Contact your healthcare provider if you believe you became sick after consuming a recalled product
• Report any food safety or labelling concerns to the CFIA

Official Statement

According to the recall notice, the products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. The CFIA stated that this recall was triggered by its own test results and that the agency is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of additional products. The CFIA said it is verifying that the industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace. For public enquiries, the CFIA can be reached at 1-613-773-2342 or by email at information@inspection.gc.ca.