SALINAS, Calif. - On Friday night, local restaurants say their oysters are safe after the Monterey County Health Department issued a warning saying people are getting sick, either served or bought in the county.
Salinas Valley Fish House Owner Tony Digirolamo said he expects fewer people ordering oysters from his restaurant.
"All people are going to hear is bad oysters so sure it's going to happen," says Digirolamo.
The Health Department advised people to stay away from eating raw or undercooked oysters, after several people became sick from bacteria. It's not clear where they got the oysters but, Digirolamo said this is common in the summer when the water is warmer and bacteria is likely to grow more. That's why they're careful where they buy their oysters.
"Our oysters are from the state of Washington and from colder waters," says Digirolamo. "That way they aren't that susceptible to a gulf oyster where the water is warmer."
He also said, they keep tags on where their oysters are from, store them properly and buy them from reputable vendors. That's why Don Neilsen said he's not too concerned.
"My feeling is as long you stick to a restaurant that gets its oysters from a reliable source, you should be all right," says Neilsen. "I don't intend to change my eating habits. I love oysters."
As for Digirolamo, while he might have to adjust how many oysters his restaurant orders, he's taking it in stride.
"See if they don't order oysters, they'll order prawns," says Digirolamo.
People who are pregnant, diabetic or have a weak stomach should avoid raw oysters especially in the summer. Also, the health department says eating them with hot sauce or while drinking alcohol, does not kill the bacteria.
Submitted by Azenith Smith, Central Coast News
