Three people reported gastrointestinal illness after dining Jan. 8 at Birrieria Tijuana and Carnita’s Mr. Porky Taqueria, according to Public Health – Seattle and King County.
The illnesses were reported between Jan. 9 and Jan. 10, and involved people from three different households.
No hospitalizations or deaths were reported.
Public Health said the investigation is complete and the outbreak appears to be over.
The restaurant, located at 12803 Ambaum Blvd SW No. 2 (map below), was inspected Jan. 27. Investigators found several food safety problems that could have contributed to the outbreak, including workers not washing their hands correctly between tasks, handwashing sinks without soap and difficult to access, and dishes and food preparation areas not being properly sanitized.
Investigators also found utensil handles stored inside food at a self serve topping bar, which can contaminate food eaten by customers.
Because of those issues, Public Health closed the restaurant and its two food trucks that rely on the kitchen for food preparation.
The restaurant corrected the violations, including fully disinfecting the facility, and was allowed to reopen Jan. 29 following reinspection.
Public Health said no specific food or drink item was identified as the cause of the illnesses. No restaurant workers reported being sick, and no laboratory testing was conducted.
People who believe they became ill after eating at a King County food business can report possible foodborne illness by calling (206) 296-4774 or toll free at 1-800-325-6165 ext. 6 4774, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The restaurant’s current inspection rating is listed as “Needs to Improve.”
According to the agency’s website:
“Public Health lists the reason(s) the establishment was closed. Reasons for closing an establishment may be due to food code violations and failure to follow the permitting process. Depending on the type of closure, additional information may include the date the facility was shut down, whether the establishment has reopened, the date it reopened, and additional notes.
“Information for restaurants closed by Public Health will remain online for a minimum of 7 days after the establishment is reopened.”
