From Public Health – Seattle & King County
Public Health is investigating an outbreak of salmonellosis (caused by Salmonellabacteria) associated with Fremont Bowl in Seattle. At this time, the source of the illnesses has not been identified.
Illnesses
Since August 8, we have learned of four people from three separate meal parties that have reported illness after eating at Fremont Bowl from July 27-29, 2018. One of the ill people was hospitalized and has since recovered.
Public Health actions
On August 9, 2018, Environmental Health investigators completed an inspection at Fremont Bowl where potential risk factors were identified, including inadequate hand washing, lack of temperature controls, and risk of cross contamination; corrective actions were discussed with Fremont Bowl management.
AT-A-GLANCE
Cases: 4
Hospitalizations: 1
Deaths: 0
Status: Investigation is ongoing
Locations: Fremont Bowl, 4258 Fremont Ave N Ste #4262, Seattle, WA 98103
Meal dates: July 27-29, 2018
Prior food safety inspections and current rating? GOOD
On August 10, 2018, Environmental Health investigators re-visited and closed the establishment because many of the corrective actions were not completed. Fremont Bowl will not be allowed to reopen until Public Health confirms they complete a thorough cleaning and disinfection of their establishment, adopt safe food handling practices to minimize cross contamination risks, and any remaining processed ready-to-eat food products are discarded. Furthermore, employees will be required to attend food safety training prior to being allowed to handle food.
Laboratory testing
Three of the four people who got sick tested positive for Salmonella by a healthcare provider. The fourth person ate at Fremont Bowl prior to becoming ill with symptoms consistent with salmonellosis.
Public Health message
This investigation is ongoing and we will provide more information as it becomes available.
Salmonella can cause serious illness. Anyone who ate at Fremont Bowl during July 27, 2018 to August 9, 2018, and developed diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea) within 5 days, should consult with their healthcare provider promptly to determine if testing is necessary.
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that is often spread through the fecal-oral route, through contaminated food and water, or through contact with animals and their environments. Symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, chills, and abdominal cramping. Illness typically lasts several days and people can spread infection to others even after symptoms resolve.
