Hog Island Oyster Co. Withdraws 200K Oysters After Luxury Hotel’s Sewage Leak

Hog Island Oyster Co. has removed approximately 200,000 oysters from Tomales Bay after a sewage leak occurred at a luxury hotel in Marin County, California. The company initiated the recall as a precautionary measure after learning of the incident at the Olema House hotel, located near the Point Reyes National Seashore.

Sewage Leak Prompts Oyster Recall

The sewage spill was reported on June 9, 2024, when a malfunction in the hotel’s wastewater treatment system led to the release of untreated sewage into a creek that flows into Tomales Bay. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified and subsequently issued a temporary closure of oyster harvesting in the affected area.

Company Response and Public Health Measures

Hog Island Oyster Co. stated that the recall involves oysters harvested between June 9 and June 12, 2024. The company emphasized that the action was taken out of an abundance of caution, and there have been no reports of illness linked to the oysters. The CDPH is working with local authorities to monitor water quality and determine when it will be safe to resume harvesting.

Impact on Local Businesses

The recall has affected several local restaurants and retailers that source oysters from Hog Island. The company is cooperating with health officials to ensure that all potentially impacted oysters are removed from distribution. The CDPH has advised consumers to check with retailers and restaurants regarding the origin of oysters before consumption.

Investigation and Next Steps

Officials are investigating the cause of the sewage leak at Olema House and assessing the extent of the contamination. The hotel has stated that it is working with environmental agencies to address the issue and prevent future incidents. The CDPH will continue to test water samples and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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