Protecting families from contaminated food and water
All fields are required
Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls,Salmonella on September 3, 2025
What started out as a possible Salmonella outbreak at Chubby Cattle Little Tokyo restaurant in Los Angeles led to a nationwide egg recall. Making matters more complicated, during a routine Los Angeles County Health Department inspection major health and safety violations prompted the decision to order the establishment temporarily closed.
Here’s what we know so far about the situation.
What started out as a routine Los Angeles County Health Department inspection on July 11, 2025 quickly became problematic when the inspector observed several serious health and safety violations.
Chubby Cattle Little Tokyo
356 E. 2nd St
Los Angeles, California 90012
Several concerning observations were made during the July 11, 2025 inspection. Many involving food left at temperatures suitable for foodborne pathogen growth for an unknown period of time and cleanliness.
The inspection report noted they “observed cooked beef and rice dish in the hot holding unit at internal temperature of 113F with an unknown hot holding time.” As a result, the manager opted to dispose around three pounds of food during the inspection.
Food left in the “danger zone”, a range between 40° F and 140° F, for more than two hours (one hour if ambient temperature is above 90° F) should be discarded. Foodborne pathogens can rapidly reproduce to infectious numbers in this temperature range. People who consume this food may become sick.
The inspection report also noted that they “observed cooked sushi rice in the rice pot at the front sushi bar at internal temperature of 93.5F since last night per operator.” Around four pounds of food was disposed.
Rice is especially vulnerable to certain starch-loving foodborne germs like Bacillus cereus. When left in the danger zone, improperly reheated, or improperly cooled, these foodborne germs can make you very sick.
Other contributing factors included food debris on food contact surfaces. Including multiple knives with old food debris on food contact surfaces (cutting boards, food preparation line, etc.). The report also indicated that knives were stored improperly (between prep tables and equipment) in areas that are not easily cleaned.
Chubby Cattle Little Tokyo was given a score of 76 and a “C” rating. The restaurant was ordered to temporarily close until certain conditions were met, cleanliness was improved, and reinspection performed.
Several reports of illness have been posted online.
Some people indicated falling sick within 12 hours of eating at Chubby Cattle Little Tokyo. One reported that their partner was so sick that they had to go to the emergency room. No follow up information was provided as to whether or not Salmonella or some other foodborne germ was responsible for their symptoms.
Others indicate that they had no problems after eating there. Even going as far as to say that they drank the “samurai milk” and did not get sick. So, experiences varied from person to person.
As someone who researches foodborne illness, outbreaks, and food safety content, several aspects of the inspection report stood out to me.
There were quite a few red flags that not only demonstrated serious health risk. But also displayed that these conditions were not attributed to an “off shift.” Or temporarily non-compliance.
Rice, beef, and other prepared foods have significant risk when it comes to holding temperature. Once those bacteria begin multiplying, food can become dangerous quickly.
In many cases, food teeming with these bad bugs do not even look, smell, or taste differently. All the more reason it is important for those who are handling food for others to do so safely.
Old food on knives, knives shoved into crevices between prep tables and equipment, and poor handwashing activities all scream cross-contamination.
The Salmonella outbreak investigation at Chubby Cattle Little Tokyo made headway when sick people showed something in common. Aside from eating food at Chubby Cattle Little Tokyo (or their Rowland heights location), there was a strong link to eggs.
More specifically, eggs distributed by Country Eggs, LLC.
So far, there have been more than 95 confirmed illnesses across 14 states (including California) linked to this outbreak. The company has since issued a voluntary recall on egg products under four brand names. Country Eggs, LLC “sunshine yolks”/”omega-3 golden yolks” eggs, Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho, and Nijiya Markets eggs with carton code CA 7695 and sell-by dates between July 1, 2025 and September 18, 2025 due to the potential presence of Salmonella bacteria.
Salmonella are microscopic bacteria that can cause illness in humans and animals. We are most likely to become sick from consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria.
Around 1.35 million cases of Salmonella illness occur in the United States each year, making it a leading cause of foodborne illness in the country.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection usually involve nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and fever.
People usually begin feeling sick anywhere from 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Most of the time people feel better within a week.
Most normally healthy people recover on their own without medical assistance. Severity, however, can vary from person to person.
In some cases, the germ can get into the bloodstream and cause additional, potentially life-threatening complications. You may develop arterial infections (infected aneurysms, endocarditis, or a condition known as reactive arthritis that can persist long-term).
If you have become sick after eating at Chubby Cattle Little Tokyo, there are a few things you can do to help your situation.
If you are experiencing foodborne illness symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, and/or flu-like symptoms), get medical attention right away. Mild illness can easily turn severe if you become dehydrated or foodborne germs leave the digestive system and enter other parts of the body.
If you are diagnosed with a foodborne illness, you may be contacted by the local health department to help track down the source of your illness. Be ready by preparing a list of the foods you have eaten and where you got them as soon as you feel well enough to do so. The earlier you document this information, the more accurate it will be.
If you have become seriously ill, it is a good idea to get advice from a Food Poisoning Lawyer. An experienced Food Poisoning Lawyer can help you through this difficult process. They can answer questions you may have about your rights, and even some you may not be aware of.
If you became sick after eating food from Chubby Cattle Little Tokyo or eggs from Country Eggs, LLC 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)
