August 19, 2016 — Scallops imported from the Philippines tested positive for hepatitis A, making them the likely source of a massive outbreak linked to Genki Sushi in Hawaii.
In a release (PDF), epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said the lab results from the FDA are an “important validation of our investigation.”
The FDA announced a recall for the product, which was produced on November 23 and 24, 2015, and distributed to restaurants in California, Hawaii, and Nevada.
The scallops came from Suba Basbas, Philippines, and were imported to Hawaii by Sea Port Products Corp. They were distributed to Genki Sushi by a Honolulu-based company called Koha Oriental Foods.
The state has embargoed “Sea Port Bay Scallops (Wild Harvest, Raw Frozen)” and destroyed remaining products. Genki Sushi shut down 11 restaurants on Oahu and Kauai for cleaning.
Earlier this week, health officials said 206 people have been sickened, including 51 who were hospitalized. It is the largest outbreak of hepatitis A in Hawaii in decades.
Health officials are asking anyone who ate at Genki Sushi since mid-April to consider getting a vaccine or immune globulin (IG), which can protect against infection if it is given within 2 weeks of exposure.
The symptoms of hepatitis A may not appear for 2-6 weeks. The illness often lasts for several months, with debilitating symptoms like fatigue, nausea, dark urine, muscle aches, loss of appetite, low-fever, and generally feeling sick.
Do I have a Genki Sushi Hepatitis Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Genki Sushi induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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