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A Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157 outbreak has been linked to Tokyo Stop Teriyaki. Several health code violations were observed during a King County Public Health visit that may have contributed to these illnesses. However, there may be more to the story.
Here’s what we know about the Tokyo Stop Teriyaki E. coli outbreak so far!
King County Public Health received reports of illnesses consistent with E. coli infections. Symptoms reported included nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), and fever. In all, six people tested positive for the same genetic strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157.
At least four of those people required hospitalization and have since recovered.
No deaths have been reported.
At least five of those reported cases indicate they ate food from Tokyo Stop Teriyaki in Bellevue, Washington prior to becoming sick.
E. coli Outbreak
Tokyo Stop Teriyaki
1504 145th Pl SE, Bellevue, WA 98007
November and December 2025
Sick people indicated eating meals from Tokyo Stop Teriyaki on November 24 and November 26, 2025 and began feeling sick between November 26, 2025 through December 1, 2025.
Following this epidemiological link, Public Heath visited the restaurant
King County Public Health asked Tokyo Stop Teriyaki to close their restaurant on December 12, 2025 in response to the outbreak investigation.
According to their report, Public Health visited the restaurant on December 13, 2025. Where they identified several issues that could have contributed to the outbreak.
For example:
Public Health worked with the restaurant to improve their food safety practices and instructed staff to do a full cleaning and disinfection.
On December 15, Public Health returned to the restaurant and confirmed cleaning was performed properly and staff were following required food safety procedures.
The restaurant was allowed to reopen.
While issues discovered at Tokyo Stop Teriyaki were obvious problems, there may be more to the story.
King County Public Health says that while five of the reported illnesses indicate eating food from Tokyo Stop Teriyaki in Bellevue prior to becoming sick, one person with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157 did not report eating at the restaurant.
According to Public Health, “this means their illness may have come from another source that is unrelated to Tokyo Stop Teriyaki or may be due to a contaminated food product served at this restaurant and elsewhere.”
The investigation is ongoing, and King County Public Health is asking for help from the community.
The exact food source has not been identified in this E. coli outbreak. Public Health has created a survey to help narrow down the source and identify the potential source of these illnesses and prevent future outbreaks.
From King County Public Health:
“If you ate at Tokyo Stop Teriyaki in November or December 2025, and later developed symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), or fever, please fill out our survey: STEC Outbreak Questions.”
The symptoms of E. coli infections can vary from mild to severe. Most people begin feeling sick around three to four days after exposure. However, some may begin feeling sick as early as one day after eating something contaminated with the germ. Some people don’t develop symptoms for 10 days. Or even longer.
Symptoms to look out for:
People generally recover from E. coli infections within about a week (five to seven days). However, some people may experience other complications. The elderly, young children, and those with a weakened immune system may experience more severe symptoms or develop a serious complication.
One major complication is known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome, also known as HUS, is a rare, but serious health condition that can develop after becoming sick with a toxin-producing bacteria. Much like the one involved in this Tokyo Stock Teriyaki E. coli outbreak.
This happens when toxins rupture blood cells that clog the filtering aspects of the kidney. Clogged kidneys lead to kidney failure and other downstream negative health effects.
Those experiencing HUS symptoms require hospitalization to recover.
Symptoms to look out for include decreased urination, paleness in cheeks and inside of lower eyelids, and fatigue.
If you have been sick with symptoms consistent with E. coli infection and begin experiencing these HUS symptoms, get medical help right away!
If you have recently become sick with an E. coli infection there are a few things you can do to help yourself and your situation.
Even if your symptoms are mild, it is still a good idea to report your illness to your local health department. This can help investigators get a better picture of the scope of the potential E. coli outbreak. King County Public Health has provided a link to their survey for your convenience.
They may ask you questions about your symptoms. Things like what and where you have eaten in the past few weeks and other supporting information. So have that information handy. It is a good idea to write down the foods and drinks you have consumed in the weeks prior to becoming sick as soon as you feel well enough to do so. While the information is fresh in your mind.
If you have been seriously impacted by this outbreak, it is a good idea to get advice from an experienced E. coli lawyer.
The experienced E. coli Lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC have successfully represented cases just like yours and won millions of dollars in foodborne contaminations lawsuits just like this.
Contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC today for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation. Call (833) 330-3663 or fill out the online submission form today.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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