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Sushi Restaurant Closes After TikTok Food Review Raises Concerns

A Seattle-based sushi restaurant has temporarily shut down due to health and safety issues that surfaced following a viral food review on TikTok.

Keith Lee, a prominent food critic with 16.1 million followers on the platform, recently shared a review of his experience at FOB Sushi Bar, which quickly ignited discussions online.

The review took a turn when viewers observed a small, moving object at the end of a fish slice in the video, with some commenters suggesting it looked like a “worm.”

In response to the growing concerns, Lee published a follow-up video after the restaurant addressed the issue on Instagram. The establishment claimed that the movement depicted in the video was due to “natural elasticity in the fish” rather than any foreign object.

Lee acknowledged the alarming sight, stating, “Somebody slowed the video down and it did appear that something moved.” Despite the alarming visuals, he reassured his followers that he felt fine.

In its earlier Instagram communication, FOB Sushi Bar firmly rejected Lee’s claims, asserting that they are “entirely false” and stating their unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest health and safety standards to provide safe dining experiences.

Lee stated, “1,000 percent transparency, I didn’t see anything until somebody pointed out. I can’t confirm or deny what it was, but I can confirm I am okay.” He also expressed gratitude for the concern shown by his followers, mentioning an unsettling report about another diner who was reportedly hospitalized after visiting the restaurant shortly after his own visit.

In light of the situation, FOB Sushi Bar announced the closure of its locations in Seattle and Bellevue “until further notice” through a subsequent Instagram post. The restaurant emphasized that “Your health and safety are our highest priorities” and that they are conducting an in-depth investigation to address the issues raised.

In their message to the community, the restaurant expressed deep gratitude for the support received over the years and apologized for any inconvenience the closure may have caused, reiterating their dedication to high-quality sushi.

The Seattle and King County public health department released a statement addressing the complaints linked to Lee’s video on November 19, noting that they had received multiple reports related to FOB Sushi Bar. The health inspector attempted to conduct a follow-up inspection but found the restaurant closed. The department plans to follow up with the restaurant regarding compliance with food safety regulations.

Efforts to reach FOB Sushi Bar for further comment were unsuccessful.

Before the announcement of their closure, FOB Sushi Bar shared a letter on Instagram from its supplier, Young Ocean, Inc., explaining their fish freezing and storage methods, which are designed to eliminate parasites. The restaurant claimed, “We have never had any issues regarding food safety and remain committed to serving you the highest quality seafood.”

In his TikTok video, Lee reiterated his stance, stating, “I’ve already said a thousand times, I don’t believe in tearing down any business. But at the same time, peoples’ health are on the line.”

Source
people.com