At Least Three Sick in Foodborne Outbreak Linked to Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria

Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on February 10, 2026

Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria is the likely source of a foodborne gastrointestinal illness outbreak. At least three people from three different households have reported similar illnesses after eating at the restaurant that also serves as the kitchen for two Birrieria Tijuana food trucks. There are likely others.

King County Public Health intervention was required due to subsequent failed health inspection.

But this isn’t the first time the Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria has encountered issues.

Here’s what we know so far about the Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria food poisoning outbreak.

Foodborne Illness Outbreak at Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria and Birrieria Tijuana

According to King County Public Health, at least three people from three different households developed food poisoning symptoms after eating food from Birrieria Tijuana mobile food truck and/or Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria. Both food establishments use the same kitchen, located at 12803 Ambaum Blvd SW #2 in Burien, Washington.

Outbreak patients consumed food from the establishments on January 8, 2026 and fell sick between January 9, 2026 to January 10, 2026. Sick people reported similar symptoms. Including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, chills, and fever.

No confirmatory laboratory testing was performed, as most illnesses of this nature pass too quickly before samples can be obtained.

Several Health Code Violations Observed on King County Public Health Visit

In response to the outbreak of foodborne (gastrointestinal) illness, King County Public Health paid the restaurant a visit on January 27, 2026. While there, inspectors found several food safety issues “that could have contributed to this outbreak.”

Violations included:

• Inspectors observed food workers not washing their hands correctly between tasks.
• Handwashing sinks observed to have no soap and were difficult to access.
• Dishes, utensils, equipment, and food preparation areas were not being sanitized.
• Utensil handles were stored inside food at the self-serve topping bar, which can contaminate food the customers eat.

During the inspection, no sick food workers were observed.

According to King County Public Health, “Because of these issues, we closed the restaurant to protect people’s health while the restaurant took steps to improve food safety, including fully disinfecting the facility. This closure also applied to the two food trucks that rely on the restaurant’s kitchen for food preparation.”

Public Health left the restaurant with a “NEEDS TO IMPROVE” rating.

A few days later, on January 29, 2026, the Public Health reinspected the restaurant. Inspectors observed that the food safety problems observed during the previous inspection were resolved. The restaurant was allowed to reopen on that same day.

Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria Has a History of Health Code Violations

This recent bout with health code violations isn’t the only time Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria has had problems.

During last year’s “routine inspection” on April 7, 2025, the restaurant was issued two warnings. One for “insects, rodents, animals not present, entrance controlled.” They were also cited for improper cold holding temperatures. A problem that can lead to food poisoning and gastrointestinal illness.

The previous routine inspection on September 25, 2024 brought about warnings for improperly stored in-use utensils and improper reheating procedures for hold holding food items. Another problem that can lead to food poisoning and gastrointestinal illness.

Before that, serious violations were observed that warranted a follow-up inspection. Much like the issues observed in January. On February 14, 2024, they were issued warnings for toxic substances not being properly identified and stored, improper cold holding temperature, improper cooling procedures, inadequate handwashing facilities, raw meat was not separated from ready-to-eat foods, in-use utensils were not properly stored, and “insects, rodents, animals not presence, entrance controlled.” A follow-up inspection was performed on February 29, 2024, where violations were corrected.

Outbreak Appears to be Over

King County Public Health indicated that they were unable to track down a specific food or drink that may have caused those three reported illnesses. With violations resolved and no new information, the investigation has been labeled as “complete.” Public Health says, “the outbreak appears to be over.”

There May Be Additional Illnesses

The foodborne outbreak associated with Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria and Birrieria Tijuana mobile food trucks has likely impacted more than the three reported individuals.

Most cases of foodborne illness go undiagnosed. Either because their illness is so mild that they do not seek medical attention and they are never tested for foodborne illness pathogens. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that for every foodborne Salmonella illness detected through laboratory testing, around 29 others actually occurred.

Additionally, some illnesses go unreported because the illness passes so quickly through the sick person’s system. By the time they report their illness, the pathogen has already left their system. These cases are sometimes labeled as “probable” cases or omitted from the record entirely.

Have You Become Sick After Eating Food from Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria and/or Birrieria Tijuana Food Trucks?

If you have become sick after eating food from Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria or Birrieria Tijuana food trucks, you are not alone. Foodborne illness can be mild. But sometimes it can cause disturbances in your daily life. If you have experienced nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, chills, fever, or other gastrointestinal illness symptoms after eating food from Carnitas Mr. Porky Taqueria or Birrieria Tijuana food trucks, you may be a part of this outbreak.

It is a good idea to reach out to a food poisoning lawyer to understand your rights and to help determine if you have a legal claim.

The Lange Law Firm Can Help!

If you have become sick in this foodborne gastrointestinal outbreak, or another one, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a food poisoning lawyer that can help.

The burdens of foodborne illness add up. Medical bills, lost wages, caring for a loved one, and other costs.

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully won millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases. They can help you too!

Call (833) 330-3663 or fill out our online submission form for a free, no obligation consultation and someone will get back with you to go over the details of your situation.

Don’t wait. Call today to get the justice you deserve.

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)