Food Poisoning Outbreak Reported At North Seattle Restaurant

SEATTLE, WA - At least three people were sickened with gastroenteritis after eating at a North Seattle restaurant in late April, according to King County Public Health. Investigators believe the victims were sickened by the B. cereus or C. perfringens, bacteria that grow easily at room temperature.

The three people ate at the 125th Street Grill, 12255 Aurora Ave. North, on April 28. County health investigators visited the restaurant and found a "lack of consistency in their safe food storage practices," but no outright violations.

The B. cereus and C. perfringens bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature, according to health officials. The bacteria cause cramps and diarrhea. It's possible the bacteria grew before the food reached the restaurant.

"These bacteria are found in a variety of foods, including meats, rice, leftovers, sauces, soups, and other prepared foods, particularly those that have sat out too long at room temperature," King County health investigators wrote in a bulletin about the outbreak. "Both bacteria are commonly found in the environment. Contaminated foods could be temperature abused at some point prior to arrival at the restaurant, possibly allowing for enough growth of the bacteria or their spores, which then can’t be completely removed by proper refrigeration and cooking."

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