Gastrointestinal illness outbreak associated with Mizuki Buffet

Summary

Public Health investigated an outbreak of gastrointestinal (stomach) illnesses associated with Mizuki Buffet in Tukwila. We did not find a specific food or drink item that might have caused the illnesses.

This outbreak appears to be over, and our investigation is complete.

Illnesses

Since September 9, 2025, eight people reported becoming sick after eating at Mizuki Buffet. They reported symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, chills, headache, and for some people, bloody diarrhea.

We did not find any sick restaurant workers.

Public Health actions 

On October 1, 2025, we visited the restaurant and found several problems that could have contributed to this outbreak:

• Handwashing stations for restaurant workers didn’t have enough supplies, like soap or paper towels, and some sinks had no hot water.
• No process to notify Public Health when they learn about customers getting sick after eating at the restaurant

We returned on October 29 and found repeat violations, including no hot water at handwashing stations.

At a follow-up inspection on November 6, most of the food safety problems were corrected.

We will continue working with Mizuki Buffet to make sure they follow proper food safety practices.

Laboratory testing 

No laboratory testing was done.