Hog Island Oyster Co., a prominent oyster farm in Marshall, California, has voluntarily recalled approximately 200,000 oysters and temporarily suspended farming operations in Tomales Bay due to a sewage leak. The contamination was discovered following a sewage spill on October 9 that originated from a faulty septic drainage system at the Olema House hotel in Point Reyes.
The leak sent sewage into Olema Creek, which flows into Tomales Bay. In response, the California Department of Public Health temporarily closed shellfish growing areas and wet storage intakes throughout the bay.
While Hog Island Oyster Co. stated in a press release that they do not believe the leak posed a food safety threat and no illnesses have been reported, the company initiated the withdrawal out of an "abundance of caution." The county confirmed the leak was stopped, but repairs to the septic system are ongoing.
Marin County Environmental Health Services is overseeing the repair work, which must be completed before the septic system can resume operation. The Olema House general manager confirmed the spill was due to a cracked storm drain and that the hotel's operations were not impacted.
The contamination also affected other businesses in the area. Nick's Cove, a hotel and restaurant on Tomales Bay, announced it will not serve oysters from the bay until cleared by the California Department of Public Health as safe.