County officials are reporting an outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses linked to a food truck in Kirkland, WA.
Thirty-four people reported having developed symptoms after consuming food from the food truck on Sept. 14. The truck was from Tacos El Guero and was catering a private event.
The symptoms mentioned by public health officials that were reported by those who became sick included diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and nausea. Anyone who has developed symptoms after eating at the restaurant’s food truck is asked to contact the public health department.
Officials with Public Health — Seattle & King County reported that the sick people developed symptoms the day after consuming food from the truck. The public health department did not report what event was involved.
Health inspectors checked the restaurant on Sept. 18 and found several infractions. Problems included conditions for bacterial toxin growth in food trucks and the restaurant. Risk factors included inadequate refrigeration and improper cooling of food, as well as inadequate equipment, improper reheating, and lack of managerial oversight, according to the public health department.
In addition to the health code violations, the food truck in question was not permitted when it was serving food at the private event. The restaurant was closed by officials on Sept. 18. Environmental health investigators will revisit the facility to ensure safe food handling practices are in place before it can reopen.
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