California Oyster Farm Recalls 200,000 Oysters After Sewage Leak

Hog Island Oyster Co., a prominent oyster farm in Marshall, California, has announced a recall of 200,000 oysters and temporarily suspended its farming operations in Tomales Bay following a sewage leak. The contamination stemmed from a malfunction at the Olema House hotel in Point Reyes, approximately 15 miles away.

The incident occurred on October 9 when a fault in the septic system at the hotel's Due West Tavern reportedly caused sewage to flow through a drainage pipe into Olema Creek, which subsequently empties into Tomales Bay. In response, the California Department of Public Health ordered all shellfish growing operations in the bay to cease activities.

Hog Island Oyster Co. stated that the recall was issued out of an "abundance of caution." The company asserted that it does not believe the leak posed any food safety threats and that no illnesses have been reported. The county confirmed that the leak was immediately contained, though repairs to the septic system are ongoing.

"Although the sewage release was stopped on 10/9, Marin County Environmental Health Services (EHS) is working with the property owner and contractor regarding repairs to the septic (sewage) system," Greg Pirie, deputy director of EHS, told SFGATE. "The system will not be operational until the repairs are completed."

Olema House general manager Fran Caiazzo explained that the spill was caused by a cracked storm drain and that water quality testing is being conducted near the hotel. The hotel's operations have not been impacted by the incident.

The sewage leak has also affected other businesses that rely on Tomales Bay shellfish. Nick's Cove, a hotel and restaurant on Tomales Bay, announced it will not serve oysters from the bay until the California Department of Public Health deems it safe.

Hog Island Oyster Co. operates multiple restaurants and bars throughout the Bay Area and also offers farm tours and sells its products online. The company's farming operations in Tomales Bay remain suspended pending the resolution of the environmental health issue.