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 distributed further. 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 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. The La Serranita brand concha negra shell meat products distributed in New York and New Jersey have been recalled by the 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 the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation continue to investigate illnesses associated with the consumption of concha negra shell meat. To date, the NYC Health Department has not identified any additional hepatitis A cases associated with the outbreak since February 2026. The FDA continues to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed. As new information becomes available, the FDA will update the safety alert. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/safety-alert-hepatitis-virus-concha-negra-black-shell-shell-meat-april-2026?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
