Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Bacillus,Norovirus,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls,Staphyloccocous on December 28, 2025
If you got food poisoning at Mizuki Buffet recently, you are not alone. Several cases of foodborne illness have been reported with Mizuki Buffet being a common food source. Others likely have gone unreported. Multiple violations were discovered when King County Public Health visited the restaurant.
Asian-style buffets serve many high-risk foods for food poisoning. Unsafe food handling practices, poor kitchen sanitation, temperature control, and other factors can contribute to the spread of food poisoning at these types of restaurants.
Here’s what we know so far about the outbreak of food poisoning at Mizuki Buffet in Tukwila.
Since September 9, at least eight people have reported becoming sick with food poisoning to King County Public Health.
Mizuki Buffet
17950 Southcenter Pkwy, Tukwila, Washington 98188
Known Meal Dates: September 9, 2025 and October 19, 2025
Sick people reported symptoms beginning September 9 and 10, 2025 as well as October 19, 2025 after eating food from Mizuki Buffet on September 9, 2025 or October 19, 2025.
Epidemiological surveys indicated people experienced symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, chills, headache, and for some people, bloody diarrhea.
These illnesses prompted a health inspection and outbreak investigation.
King County Public Health inspectors visited Mizuki restaurant on October 1, 2025, where several violations that could contribute to food poisoning at Mizuki Buffet were observed.
For example, the handwashing stations for restaurant employees did not have enough supplies (soap, paper towels, etc.). Some of the sinks did not have hot water at all.
Additionally, there was no process for staff to notify King County Public Health when they are made aware of customers getting sick after eating at the restaurant.
Other health inspection observations included:
No sick restaurant workers were observed during this inspection.
Weeks later, on October 29, 2025, many of the same violations were observed. Including issues with handwashing facilities, proper cold holding temperatures, and risk control plans.
Most of the food safety problems were corrected by November 6, 2025 when health inspectors visited the restaurant again.
Public records of previous food safety inspections show the same violations over and over.
Inadequate hand-washing facilities were noted on the March 29, 2025 and August 27, 2024. As were improper cold holding temperatures.
On March 29, 2025, the restaurant was cited for documentation for shell stock and wild mushroom ingredients as well. In addition to raw food placement improperly near ready-to-eat foods and how the restaurant handled previously served food that was returned and date marking.
Ware washing facilities were also discussed on both March 29, 2025 and August 27, 2024 inspections.
Despite a thorough investigation, King County Public Health was unable to identify a specific food or drink item that may have caused those eight illnesses. Public Health reports indicate that “this outbreak appears to be over, and our investigation is complete.” But Public Health will continue to work with Mizuki Buffet to ensure that they are following proper food safety practices.
No specific pathogen was mentioned in this outbreak of food poisoning at Mizuki Buffet. As is often the case with fast moving illnesses.
By the time the sick person seeks medical care, the bacteria and/or toxin have already moved through their system. The aftermath of dehydration and contributing complications, however, remains.
With an Asian-style restaurant serving sushi and rice dishes, especially in a buffet setting, there are a few common food vehicles served.
There are so many foods and contributing factors that could have led to contamination and food poisoning at Mizuki Buffet.
No specific germs have been named, but there are a few top contenders that fit the description.
One of the top contenders for food poisoning at Mizuki Buffet on my list is Bacillus cereus.
Bacillus cereus causes two different types of illness, depending on whether or not toxins have formed in the food prior to eating (emetic) or toxins form in the body after eating contaminated food (diarrheal syndrome).
With emetic syndrome, the primary symptom is vomiting. This happens anywhere from one to six hours after consuming contaminated food.
This variation is often associated with rice.
The diarrheal syndrome symptoms consist primarily of, well, diarrhea. This typically takes between six and 15 hours after consuming contaminated food.
Soups are often associated with this type of Bacillus cereus illness.
Up next is norovirus.
Norovirus symptoms often begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, headache, fever, body aches, and/or dehydration. Most people recover within a few days. However, dehydration could lead to serious illness resulting in hospitalization.
Any food can be associated with norovirus, because it is often caused by sick food workers or not washing your hands prior to eating after touching surfaces contaminated with the germ.
Finally we get to Staphylococcus aureus. While this isn’t the only germ (in addition to the other two) that could fit the bill, its fast illness onset makes it a contender.
Staphylococcus aureus symptoms come on quickly. Often within 30 minutes to eight hours after consuming contaminated food.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and/or diarrhea lasting about a day.
If you became seriously ill after eating food from Mizuki Buffet, you are likely part of this outbreak. But there are a few things that you should do.
Illnesses causing vomiting and diarrhea can deplete the body of important hydration. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine or sugary drinks, and get in electrolytes to rebalance the salts in your body.
Reporting your illness or getting tested for foodborne illness helps investigators narrow down the source. Perhaps a specific ingredient was involved in causing this outbreak. The more information investigators have about what people consumed prior to becoming sick, the faster they can determine a source and prevent further illnesses.
If you became seriously ill after eating at Mizuki Buffet and wish to make a legal claim, receipts are an important part of the process. Save your receipts.
If you became sick after eating food from Mizuki Buffet and wish to file a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help.
The experienced food poisoning lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC have won millions of dollars in food poisoning and product liability cases. Many with the same situation you have experienced.
Call (833) 330-3663 for you free, no obligation consultation or fill out the online submission form to email your information.
Don’t wait. Reach out today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)