Washington, D.C. – Federal health officials are warning consumers and businesses not to eat or serve a specific imported shellfish product after it was linked to a hepatitis A outbreak in the Northeast.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, La Serranita brand concha negra (black shell) shell meat from Ecuador may be contaminated with hepatitis A virus. The product, sold as fresh frozen shell meat, was distributed to restaurants and retailers in New York and New Jersey and may have reached additional locations.
Health officials are advising restaurants and retailers to immediately stop serving the product and either dispose of it or contact distributors to arrange proper destruction. Consumers are also urged not to eat the shellfish.
The alert follows an outbreak investigation led by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Reported hepatitis A cases linked to the product occurred between July 2025 and February 2026. The affected shellfish products distributed in New York and New Jersey have since been recalled by dealers.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection that can spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, jaundice, and fever, and can be especially serious for older adults or those with underlying health conditions.
State and local health agencies, including the New York State Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation, continue to investigate the outbreak. Officials say no new cases connected to the product have been identified since February, but monitoring remains ongoing.
The FDA says it will continue working with state partners and provide updates as new information becomes available.
Anyone who believes they may have consumed the affected product or is experiencing symptoms is encouraged to contact a healthcare provider.
