Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on September 15, 2026
Outsider BBQ & Beer Garden has been linked to a food poisoning outbreak in Seattle. The incident did not directly involve their brick and mortar location. Though findings at the restaurant where food originated did uncover potentially contributing health code violations.
The Outsider BBQ food stand was shut down for the possible connection and lack of permit, the restaurant was inspected, and King County Public Health encourages the public to report foodborne illnesses.
Here’s what we know about the situation so far!
King County Public Health recently investigated a gastrointestinal illness outbreak associated with Outsider BBQ & Beer Garden’s pop-up food stand operating at Ravenna Brewing Company.
Since June 29, 2026, three people became sick after eating at the food stand on June 28, 2026. Sick people reported one or more symptoms, including diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea (feeling queasy), and chills.
The specific germ causing the illness was not determined, as no laboratory testing was performed. King County Public Health says that “sickness from bacterial toxins often starts and ends soon after eating,” and by the time the person is able to see their healthcare provider, it is usually too late to test. This is not uncommon for an outbreak involving bacterial toxins.
Just because a germ is not identified, does not mean an investigation does not take place.
In this case, both the food stand and the Outsider BBQ& Beer Garden restaurant were inspected.
King County Public Health visited the Outsider BBQ pop up food stand on July 12, 2026 and subsequently closed it down, as it was not permitted or approved by Public Health. In addition to the lack of required permit, Public Health observed some food safety issues which could have contributed to the reported illnesses.
Inspectors found no hand washing stations for employees to wash their hands within the food stand. Additionally, some foods were being kept between 41 °F and 135 °F. Also known as the “danger zone,” where bacteria can grow and produce toxins that can make people sick.
Since the food served at the food stand was prepared at the restaurant’s brick and mortar location, King County Health inspectors also visited the restaurant. Which is located at 4010 NW Leary Way in Seattle, Washington.
There, additional food safety violations were observed.
More temperature control issues were uncovered while King County Health inspected the Outsider BBQ restaurant on July 16, 2026.
According to the report, there was “a lack of adequate refrigeration space to safely service all locations including the restaurant, food truck, and the pop-up operating at Ravenna Brewing.” Like the food stand, some foods were being kept in the “danger zone” between 41 °F and 135 °F.
No sick restaurant workers were observed and no one had signs of gastrointestinal illness.
While there, King County Public Health provided staff with information on how to correct the observed food safety problems and indicated they would return for reinspection.
King County Public Health revisited the restaurant three weeks later. Repeat violations were observed on August 5, 2026. Including improper cooling practices. However, most of the other food safety issues were corrected.
Public Health said that while “the outbreak appears to be over, and our investigation is complete,” they will “continue working with Outsider BBQ & Beer Garden to make sure they follow proper food safety practices.
King County Public Health encourages residents to report possible foodborne illnesses.
If you or someone you know has become sick after eating food prepared by a King County food business, you can report your illness online or by phone.
Online: Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS)
By phone: 206-296-4774 or 1-800-325-6165, ext. 6-4774. Phones are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Interpreters available.
If you have become sick after eating at Outsider BBQ, either at their restaurant, food truck, or pop up food stand, there are a few important things to consider.
It is important to report your possible foodborne illness. Even if your symptoms are mild or pass quickly. While you may have a healthy immune system and recover quickly, others may not be so lucky. Some foodborne illnesses can cause serious, even life-threatening illnesses in the very young, the very old or frail, and those with a weakened immune system. Other germs can impact a pregnancy and result in miscarriage, still birth, or life-threatening infection in the newborn.
When people report a foodborne illness, it provides a record for the health department. When several, unconnected people report foodborne illness from the same location, it signals a bigger issue. Likely an outbreak that problems an investigation.
If the restaurant is truly operating with health and safety in mind and is not violating food safety rules, the inspection will be brief and investigators can continue looking for a source. If violations are observed, it is an opportunity to fix the issues to help keep the public safe.
Gastrointestinal illness, even those that are fleeting, can cause dehydration. This happens when symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea remove more water than a sick person is able to take in.
In most cases, drinking plenty of fluids, taking electrolytes, and avoiding caffeine or sugary drinks does the trick. However, some people may need intravenous (IV) fluids. Take care of yourself and monitor your symptoms. Get medical attention as needed.
If you have been significantly impacted by your foodborne illness, it is a good idea to get advice from a Food Poisoning Lawyer. An experienced Food Poisoning Lawyer can answer your questions. They can point you in the direction of resources, gather important evidence on your behalf, and represent you as needed. Expenses associated with food poisoning add up. Things like medical bills, missed work, caring for a loved one, and other burdens associated with food poisoning.
If you have been impacted by this gastrointestinal outbreak associated with Outsider BBQ & Beer Garden and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Food Poisoning Lawyer that can help.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully represented cases just like yours and won millions of dollars in food poisoning and products liabilities lawsuits.
Reach out by calling (833) 330-3663 or send us an email for a free, no obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)