Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Bacillus,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on March 17, 2026
King County Public Health investigates food poisoning at 13 Coins restaurant in SeaTac. On March 16, 2026, King County Public Health published a report for their investigation on “an outbreak of gastrointestinal (stomach) illnesses associated with 13 Coins in SeaTac.
Bacillus cereus or Clostridium perfringens have been indicated as a possible pathogen.
Why is the source of this 13 Coins outbreak undeclared? Could there be other illnesses? Why is Bacillus cereus and Clostridium perfringens outbreaks so difficult to investigate?
But first, here’s what we know so far about the gastrointestinal illness outbreak at 13 Coins in SeaTac, Washington.
So far there have been two people involved in the gastrointestinal outbreak associated with 13 Coins in SeaTac, Washington. No hospitalizations or deaths have been reported.
Two people who ate at 13 Coins at 18000 International Blvd on February 19, 2026 began feeling sick on the same day. Symptoms of diarrhea and stomach pains were noted.
No laboratory testing waws performed on those who became sick, as sickness from bacterial toxins often starts and ends soon after eating. According to King County Public Health, “by the time people see a doctor, it is usually too late to test.”
King County Public Health investigators suspect either Bacillus cereus or Clostridium perfringens as the likely germ responsible for these illnesses. This is because these types of bacteria produce toxins and grow quickly when food is left at room temperature. Symptoms also matched those typically experienced by Bacillus cereus and Clostridium perfringens infections.
King County Public Health visited 13 Coins on March 4, 2026. Over two weeks after the gastrointestinal illness incident. During the investigation, no sick restaurant workers with signs of gastrointestinal illness were observed. Neither were any unsafe food practices. However, according to Public Health, “this does not rule out the chance there may have been unsafe food practices which contributed to the illnesses on the day the food was prepared.”
These types of illnesses often occur due to lapses in temperature control. Mistakes that can occur on occasion and corrected the following day.
For now, Public Health has indicated that the outbreak appears to be over and their investigation is complete.
However, Restaurant Food Safety inspection reports indicate a trend in temperature control issues that may contribute to additional risk.
Restaurant Safety Inspections and ratings are available to the public. Those on record for 13 Coins in SeaTac paint a picture of consistent problems with temperature control and inadequate handwashing facilities. Despite their current “Okay” rating.
For example, on October 9, 2025, in addition to violations involving inadequate handwashing facilities and problems with cold holding temperatures, the facility also had a violation for “compliance with valid permit operating and risk control plans.” Other problems involved “person in charge” who could not demonstrate adequate food safety knowledge and the restaurants deviation from having a certified manager on shift.
The previous “routine inspection” on January 29, 2025 found improper hot holding temperatures. Which followed improper cold holding temperatures on April 9, 2024. Where inadequate handwashing facilities were also observed.
Inadequate handwashing facilities could mean anything from an empty soap dispenser, lack of paper towels, or improper water temperature.
Inadequate handwashing facilities can certainly contribute to potential foodborne illness risk. However, improper temperature control is a likely cause of Bacillus cereus and Clostridium perfringens illnesses.
If toxins are produced in the food prior to consumption, the unfortunate person usually begins to vomit within 30 minutes to six hours after eating accompanied by nausea.
If toxins are produced in the body after the food is consumed, diarrheal illness consisting of watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps often happens within six to 15 hours of consuming something contaminated.
Illnesses usually resolve within a day.
Symptoms usually include diarrhea and stomach cramps. Fever and vomiting are usually not experienced with illnesses associated with this germ.
Most illnesses are resolved within a day. However, severe symptoms can persist for up to two weeks.
It is likely these two people are not the only ones impacted by gastrointestinal illness that fateful Wednesday. Others have likely fallen sick, but chalked it up to a singular problem or recovered quickly and decided to not report their illness.
Fortunately, there have not been reports of hospitalizations or severe illness. However, without laboratory results to compare them too, a patient with a severe illness may never be connected to this outbreak. Which is why it is very important to report your illness.
If you become sick with a gastrointestinal illness and suspect it is from food, it is a good idea to report your illness. Even if your illness is mild. Your healthy immune system may be able to fight the infection, but someone else may not be so lucky.
Young children, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system may get very sick or experience fatal complications.
Reporting your illness can help health authorities narrow or expand an outbreak investigation (or prompt one) and help prevent additional illnesses.
If you are experiencing serious illness or become dehydrated (losing more fluids than you are able to take in), seek medical attention right away. Dehydration and other complications can extend your illness or develop into additional types of infection if it moves to other parts of your body.
If you have been significantly impacted by food poisoning at the 13 Coins restaurant in SeaTac, you may have a legal case.
Lost work, medical bills, caring for a loved one, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness add up. Get advice from an experienced Food Poisoning Lawyer to understand your rights.
If you have become sick after eating at 13 Coins restaurant in SeaTac and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!
Call (833) 330-3663 for a free, no obligation consultation. Or fill out our online submission form and someone will get back with you shortly to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)