Safety Alert for Hepatitis A Virus: Concha Negra (Black Shell) Shell Meat (April 2026)
Do not eat, serve, or sell La Serranita brand concha negra (black shell) shell meat from Ecuador
Product:
La Serranita brand concha negra (black shell) fresh frozen shell meat from Ecuador in 16-oz. plastic packages.
Where Product was Sold:
The concha negra shell meat was distributed to restaurants and retailers in New Jersey and New York and may have been further distributed.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A Virus:
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.
Recommendations:
- Consumers, restaurants and food retailers should not eat, sell, or serve La Serranita brand concha negra (black shell) shell meat from Ecuador and should dispose of potentially contaminated products or contact their distributor to arrange for destruction.
- Food containing HAV may look, smell, and taste normal.
- 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 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 health care provider.
Current Update
April 30, 2026
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 New Jersey and New York 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.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is investigating an illness outbreak of hepatitis A cases associated with La Serranita brand concha negra (black shell) shell meat. The hepatitis A cases had onset dates of July 2025 through February 2026. La Serranita brand concha negra shell meat products distributed within New York and New Jersey have been recalled by those dealers.
The FDA was notified of the hepatitis A outbreak by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The NYC Health Department, NYSDOH, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation continue to investigate the illnesses associated with consumption of the concha negra shell meat. To date, the NYC Health Department has not identified any additional associated hepatitis A cases since February 2026.
The FDA continues to monitor the investigation and provide assistance, as needed, to state authorities. As new information becomes available, the FDA will update the safety alert.
Useful Links
- Notice of Illness Outbreaks, Shellfish Closures, Reopenings, & Recalls | ISSC
- About Handwashing as a Healthy Habit in the Kitchen | CDC
- What is Hepatitis A?
Who to Contact?
Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.
To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction),
visit Industry and Consumer Assistance.
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