The FDA warns consumers not to eat La Serranita-brand frozen concha negra (black shell) meat imported from Ecuador, which was tied to a hepatitis A outbreak. By Sept. 17, 37 people had been infected and 30 hospitalized; the CDC and FDA are investigating.
The product came in 16-ounce plastic packages and went to restaurants and retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania; the FDA said it may have reached other areas. Businesses were advised not to sell or serve it and to dispose of it or contact their distributor to arrange destruction.
The CDC said raw or undercooked clams may have caused the illnesses. Among interviewed patients, 47% reported eating raw or undercooked conchas negras, 76% had eaten raw or undercooked shellfish, and 77% had eaten ceviche. Illnesses began between July 30, 2025, and June 23, 2026.
