Summary
Public Health investigated an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O121 (also known as STEC) associated with Taste of Yemen in Kent. Two people became sick after eating chicken dishes from the restaurant on July 21 and July 23, 2025.
This outbreak appears to be over, and our investigation is complete.
Illnesses
The two people who got sick reported signs of STEC, including nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), and fever. One person was hospitalized and recovered.
We did not find any sick restaurant workers with signs of STEC.
Public Health actions
After speaking with two people who got sick with STEC, Public Health learned that both had eaten at Taste of Yemen restaurant around the same time.
On October 9, 2025, we visited the restaurant and found several problems that could allow harmful bacteria like STEC to spread.
These problems included:
- Sinks for washing raw meat and vegetables were placed too close together
- The same sink and prep table were used for raw chicken and other foods
- Tools and surfaces used for raw meat like chicken, weren’t cleaned or sanitized properly
We gave the restaurant guidance on how to fix these problems to reduce the risk of spreading foodborne illness. We will continue working with Taste of Yemen to make sure these problems are addressed and future illnesses are prevented.
Laboratory testing
Both people who became sick tested positive for the same type of STEC (O121).