Uncle Sushi Shut for Code Violations

Uncle Sushi and Grill on Reservoir Avenue remains closed after a number of code violations identified by the state Department of Health on a May 23 inspection.

According to the report, the restaurant was found to not employ a full-time manager certified in food safety and a number of foods were contaminated by droppings, including flour, jimmies and noodles.

The inspection also revealed a microwave with dried food accumulation, vinegar stored in a five gallon detergent bucket and lights lacking proper shielding equipment. There were also children's toys and diaper changing products found in the kitchen area, indicating someone may have been changing diapers in the kitchen.

The restaurant was voluntarily closed after that inspection. A followup inspection on Wednesday showed bowls were being used as scoops in containers of dry ingredients. Health codes require proper utensils to be used and stored in the food item with their handles above the top of the food within the container.

The followup report indicates the restaurant's owner, Thong Vongivixay, his son and daughter-in-law are taking the food certification exams on May 31 and June 2. 

The inspection was prompted after the health department learned eight people who ate at the restaurant on May 19 fell ill. The people were part of a dinner party of 10.

Health officials said the illness was likely norovirus. Three employees who supplied stool samples tested positive for norovirus.