FDA issues alert about blood clams in relation to hepatitis A outbreak – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
New York State – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public health alert concerning fresh-frozen blood clams imported from Ecuador and marketed under the La Serranita brand. Health officials from the New York State Department of Health and the FDA are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A connected to these shellfish. Illnesses began appearing in July 2025, and a case surfaced as recently as February 2026. The long shelf life of the frozen product keeps the potential for exposure active.
Details on the Recalled Clams
The implicated blood clams, also known as concha negra or black shell clams, entered the U.S. through a New Jersey importer. From there, shipments went to a New York distributor for sale within the state. Further distribution beyond New York remains possible.
Consumers should inspect their freezers for products matching this description: La Serranita Concha Negra Shell Meat, fresh frozen, net weight 16 ounces or 454 grams. Authorities emphasized that the frozen nature of the clams extends their usability, heightening the urgency to identify and remove them from circulation. No other brands or sources have been tied to this outbreak so far.
Timeline of the Hepatitis A Cases
Investigators traced the first reported illness to consumption of these clams in July 2025. Subsequent cases followed, culminating in the most recent confirmation in February 2026. The FDA’s alert underscores the ongoing nature of the threat, given the product’s stability in freezers.
Joint efforts between federal and state agencies continue to map the distribution chain and assess the full scope. While the primary distribution stayed within New York, wider availability cannot be ruled out. This outbreak highlights vulnerabilities in imported seafood supply lines.
Product Label to Check:
La Serranita Concha Negra Shell Meat
Fresh Frozen
Net Weight: 16 oz (454 g)
Hepatitis A: How It Spreads and Affects People
Hepatitis A results from infection with the hepatitis A virus, which targets the liver. The condition spreads through contaminated food or water, contact with infected food handlers, or direct person-to-person transmission. Vaccination prevents it, but those exposed face risks regardless.
Symptoms do not appear in every case, though adults experience them more often than children. When present, signs emerge two to seven weeks post-exposure, typically around 28 to 30 days. Most recover within two months, but some endure symptoms up to six months. Common indicators include:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
Infected individuals can transmit the virus even without symptoms, including up to two weeks beforehand. This silent spread complicates containment efforts.
Steps for Consumers and Next Actions
The FDA advises anyone with the specified La Serranita blood clams to discard them immediately and sanitize any surfaces they contacted. Cooking does not reliably eliminate the hepatitis A virus in this context. Those who consumed the product since July 2025 and develop symptoms should consult a healthcare provider.
Health departments urge reporting potential exposures to aid the investigation. Vaccination status offers protection against future incidents, particularly for frequent seafood consumers. Officials will update guidance as the probe advances.
This alert serves as a reminder of the importance of tracing imported foods swiftly. With the outbreak still active, vigilance in checking stored goods prevents further cases.
