The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (March 18) instructed the trade to suspend the import of raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant) in France. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately should they possess it.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS noted a notification from the French authorites that raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant) were suspected to be contaminated with norovirus and under recall. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local major importers and retailers for follow-up. A preliminary investigation by the CFS found that the affected raw oysters have not been imported into Hong Kong. For the sake of prudence, the CFS has immediately instructed the trade to suspend the import into and sale within Hong Kong of raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant)."

     The spokesman said the trade should also stop selling raw oysters produced by Ets Guittonneau (FR 85.083.501) (processing plant) if they possess them.

     The spokesman pointed out that as oysters feed by filtering a large volume of seawater, pathogens can accumulate in them if they are grown in or harvested from contaminated water. Raw or partially cooked oysters are high-risk foods. Susceptible groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, should avoid eating raw oysters.

     The CFS will inform the French authorities and will also notify the local trade. It will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:40

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