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

Do not eat, serve, or sell La Serranita-brand concha negra (black shell) shell meat from Ecuador

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.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is investigating an illness outbreakExternal Link Disclaimer of hepatitis A cases in New York associated with La Serranita- brand concha negra (black shell) shell meat. La Serranita-brand concha negra shell meat products have been recalled by dealers in New York and New Jersey. Related hepatitis A illness cases have been reported in additional states; investigations by the relevant state authorities are ongoing. To date, the outbreak-associated hepatitis A cases have had onset dates from July 2025 through February 2026. 

The FDA was initially 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.    

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.

Previous Updates

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 outbreakExternal Link Disclaimer 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.