Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on October 3, 2024
King County Public Health is investigating a food poisoning at Fuji Sushi outbreak. A kitchen inspection revealed violations to public health so significant that they were ordered to close until issues were resolved and a reinspection was performed.
This is not the first time serious violations were observed during an inspection at the restaurant.
So far, five people have reported illnesses.
Could there be more?
Here’s what we know about the food poisoning at Fuji Sushi outbreak.
The restaurant, Fuji Sushi, is located at 520 South Main Street in Seattle.
Fuji Sushi
520 South Main St.
Seattle, WA 98104
The investigation began when five people reported gastrointestinal illnesses after eating at Fuji Sushi restaurant in Seattle on September 16, 2024. They began feeling sick between September 17 and September 20, 2024.
A group of people at together at the restaurant. When interviewed, each person indicated that in the seven days prior to becoming sick, the only time all five of them were together was during this meal at Fuji Sushi.
All five people experienced one or more signs consistent with a bacterial infection. Symptoms such as “feeling sick,” vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and chills.
According to King County Public Health, other causes cannot be ruled out and no specific food or drink item could be identified as the source of their illnesses.
No sick restaurant workers were identified either.
However, during the course of the inspection, several major violations were observed at the restaurant.
King County Public Health investigators paid a visit to Fuji Sushi on September 25, 2024. During their inspection, several unsafe food safety practices were observed.
Observations included:
Because of these serous violations, King County Public Health ordered Fuji Sushi to close immediately. The restaurant will not be allowed to reopen until they fix the serious problems and Public Health performs a follow-up inspection.
Investigators also instructed restaurant management that restaurant workers with signs of stomach illness should wait at least 24 hours after the signs stop before they can return to work. A policy already imposed by King County Public Health.
This is not the first time the restaurant has been cited for serious health code violations during an inspection.
In fact, earlier this year the restaurant was cited for poor food safety knowledge and compliance with risk control plans and required written procedures.
On March 31, 2023 the restaurant failed an inspection. Several common themes were present in that inspection seem to persist. Violations included:
This failed inspection required a follow-up inspection that was performed and passed on May 30, 2024.
So far, reports indicate that these five illnesses are the only illnesses associated with food poisoning at Fuji Sushi. However, there may be others that have not reported their illness.
It is very common for people who have mild symptoms to treat themselves and never report their illness. Unfortunately, that makes foodborne outbreak investigations more difficult to determine the source. The more information investigators have to work with, the clearer the picture becomes.
Could the contamination come from a package of fish from the manufacturer. Did all people who became sick consume the same foods. Did a particular shift have an issues, which may point to an infected food worker. Without an interview where sick people indicate the foods and drinks they consumed, investigators have too few pieces of the puzzle to know exactly what happened.
For some with mild illness, going through the trouble of reporting the illness may not be worth their time. However, for those who become seriously ill or have complications, getting an answer is much more important.
Reporting foodborne illness can help prevent others from becoming sick. Others who may have a weakened immune system, who are pregnant, or the very young or old.
The specific gastrointestinal bacterial infection that made these five people sick was not specifically disclosed. This may be due to illnesses being reported too late for a sample to be obtained. Or potentially because the laboratory testing is still in progress.
Depending on the germ, it could be hours, days, or even weeks between eating something contaminated and your first signs of symptoms. Illnesses may range from mild to serious and also last different lengths of time depending on the bad bug involved. You may be sick for a few hours, several days, or experience complications that can last for quite a while.
The most common symptoms of food poisoning include:
Those who are pregnant may be vulnerable to complications involving their pregnancy. For example, Listeria monocytogenes infections in those who are pregnant increase the risk of miscarriage, still birth, and serious infection in the newborn. Even mild infections can cause pregnancy complications.
Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms, including:
If you’ve become sick from food poisoning at Fuji Sushi in Seattle, there are a few things you can do to help yourself and others during this situation.
While it is freshest in your mind, you will want to make a list of the foods and drinks you have consumed during the weeks prior to becoming sick. Include the places you got them and where you ate them (dine in, takeout, etc.). Be as specific as possible.
Even if your illness is mild, reporting your illness to King County Public Health can help others. The more information the department has, the more likely a specific source can be identified.
If you have been significantly impacted by food poisoning at Fuji Sushi in Seattle, you may need to seek advice from an experienced food poisoning lawyer. A law firm specializing in cases of foodborne illness will know the right questions to ask and be able to answer the questions you have.
If you became sick with food poisoning at Fuji Sushi in Seattle, and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for your free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation. Don’t wait. Call today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)