Safety Alert for Hepatitis A Virus: Concha Negra (Black Shell) Shell Meat

On May 22, the FDA is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and consumers not to eat La Serranita-brand concha negra (black shell) fresh frozen shell meat from Ecuador because it may be contaminated with hepatitis A virus (HAV). La Serranita-brand concha negra (black shell) shell meat was distributed to restaurants and retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania and may have been further distributed. Restaurants and retailers should dispose of these products by throwing them away or contacting their distributor to arrange for destruction. To date, the outbreak-associated hepatitis A cases have had onset dates from July 2025 through February 2026. 

Hepatitis A 

Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that can cause liver disease. Illness usually occurs within 15 to 50 days after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool. In some instances, particularly in children under the age of six, HAV infection may be asymptomatic. 

What to Do

Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and foodservice customers who purchased or received these products should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that they touched. Follow the FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Consumers who may have consumed this product or who have symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

The FDA continues to monitor the investigation and provide assistance, as needed, to state authorities. You can learn more at the FDA’s website.