Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked to Imported Clams
Federal officials are warning consumers about contaminated La Serranita black clams linked to 37 illnesses.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Dining Out
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The CDC and FDA are investigating a hepatitis A outbreak involving 37 reported infections linked to fresh frozen black clams imported from Ecuador. Thirty of the affected individuals have required hospitalization as part of the ongoing medical incident.
Why it matters
The outbreak highlights the food safety risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, which patients frequently reported eating prior to becoming ill. Health authorities have identified the La Serranita brand as the source, prompting calls for retailers to dispose of the product immediately.
A total of 37 cases have been identified, with 30 requiring hospitalization. Data shows 77% of patients ate ceviche, 76% consumed raw shellfish, and 47% specifically ate black clams, which were sold in 16-ounce packages.
The players
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC is a federal agency responsible for protecting public health through the investigation and control of disease outbreaks.
Food and Drug Administration
The FDA regulates food safety and imports to ensure that products sold in the United States meet established health standards.
The details
Patients reported illness onset dates between July 30, 2025, and June 23, 2026, after consuming raw or undercooked items. The contaminated La Serranita-brand concha negra shell meat was distributed across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Timeline
July 30, 2025: Earliest reported illness onset date.
June 23, 2026: Latest reported illness onset date.
September 17, 2026: Date of CDC case count report.
Culture Shift
This event follows a pattern of foodborne illness tracking established by the 2018 Cyclospora outbreak linked to McDonald's salads. It underscores the broader challenge of maintaining supply chain integrity for imported raw food products within the U.S. market.
Consumers in the affected states should immediately check their freezers for La Serranita black clams and dispose of them or contact retailers for destruction. Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, as these remain the primary vehicles for hepatitis A transmission in this cluster.
The takeaway
The most effective way to prevent infection in this outbreak is to strictly avoid consuming raw or undercooked shellfish until official warnings are cleared. If you have eaten this specific clam product recently, contact a healthcare provider if symptoms of hepatitis A develop.
Further reading
For more on staying safe while eating away from home, visit the Dining Out section.
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