Kumo Sushi & Steakhouse remains open after health scare, lawyer weighs in

By Sabrina Artusa

On Saturday afternoon, Sept. 9, 28 people were made ill due to the mishandling of cooked rice served at Kumo Sushi & Steakhouse on Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook.

A group of 13-year-olds were at the restaurant celebrating a birthday when some girls started projectile vomiting. Sixteen others, celebrating a baby shower, got sick after leaving the restaurant.

“I’m extremely angry with the business,” the mother of one of the girls told News 12. “We all go out to eat all the time. We never think we’re going to eat somewhere, and the food is going to be contaminated.”

Employees at Kumo deferred comment to their lawyer, John Ruggiero of Garden City, who said that health officials thoroughly checked the kitchen. Ruggiero said the restaurant “immediately implemented” a new rice cooling procedure.

He added, “All steps have been taken to ensure that this never happens again and the restaurant is fully operational with the blessing of the health department.”

According to Suffolk County Department of Health guidelines, “If the food is not cooled in accordance with the sanitary code requirement, pathogens may grow to sufficient numbers to cause foodborne illness.”

Suffolk County spokesperson Marykate Guilfoyle told Newsday that 12 of the 28 people were hospitalized at Stony Brook University Hospital and released without staying overnight. She also said that the health department issued 15 violations. Eight of the violations were for foodborne illnesses, Guilfoyle said, while others were more minor.

“All of the corrective measures were taken and the restaurant is open,” she said.

“We are committed to learning from this incident, enhancing our practices and ensuring that every visit to Kumo is not just a meal but a memorable and safe experience,” owners Tony and Bobby Lam said in a statement to Fox News.