Salmonella outbreak linked IHOP in Bellevue, WA

14747 Northeast 20th Street, Bellevue, 98007 Washington, United States

Updated August 8, 2024

The contaminated onions were recalled and thrown away in October 2023 at this IHOP. However, on April 2, 2024, this Salmonella strain was identified in the restaurant through environmental testing and people have continued to get sick from the same strain of Salmonella since then. This suggests Salmonella bacteria, which is known to live on surfaces like plastic and steel for a long time, is still in the restaurant, even after multiple closures, deep cleanings, and throwing away potentially contaminated food and equipment.

This outbreak may not be over since it often takes at least 3-4 weeks before Public Health can connect someone’s sickness, like salmonellosis, to a specific outbreak.

Source: kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/disease-illness/foodborne-illness-outbreaks/2024-feb-1-ihop

Update: June, 28, 2024

On Friday, June 28, 2024, Public Health tested various environmental surfaces at IHOP. All results came back negative for Salmonella (this does not completely rule out the possibility that Salmonella may still exist in the environment). Public Health required IHOP to do a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the restaurant. Public Health verified that the cleaning and disinfection had taken place, and IHOP was allowed to reopen Friday, July 5. This investigation is ongoing and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates.

Source: kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/disease-illness/foodborne-illness-outbreaks/2024-feb-1-ihop

Update: May, 24, 2024

On May 24, 2024, Public Health learned of someone who became sick after likely eating at the IHOP in Bellevue on May 7, 2024. Laboratory testing confirmed that this person had the same strain of Salmonella as the other people who became sick in this outbreak. In response, Public Health ordered the IHOP in Bellevue to close until further notice.

Source: kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/disease-illness/foodborne-illness-outbreaks/2024-feb-1-ihop

Update: April, 17, 2024

On April 2, 2024, Public Health visited the restaurant to take environmental samples. This means they have tested various surfaces looking for Salmonella and sent the samples to the Washington State Public Health Lab for testing.

On April 10, 2024, one of the environmental samples came back positive for Salmonella which also matched the outbreak strain. That same day, Public Health ordered IHOP to close and conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection.

On April 12, 2024, Public Health visited the restaurant to confirm the deep cleaning was done appropriately, and the facility opened the same day. This investigation is ongoing and we will provide further updates.

Source: kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/disease-illness/foodborne-illness-outbreaks/2024-feb-1-ihop

April, 1, 2024

Seattle & King County Public Health announced that three individuals fell ill due to a Salmonella outbreak linked to the IHOP restaurant located at 14747 NE 20th St, Bellevue, WA. The illnesses occurred between October 23 and December 23, 2023, and two people required hospitalization. No deaths were reported. This investigation is now completed.

All three individuals ate a variety of breakfast foods at the Bellevue IHOP, but no specific food item has been identified as the source of the outbreak. Public Health conducted interviews with the sick individuals to identify common exposures and all three had eaten at the Bellevue IHOP. The victims, ranging in age from 20 to 70, reported symptoms consistent with salmonellosis, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bloody stool, and fever. No ill employees were identified at the restaurant.

On January 11, 2024, Environmental Health Investigators requested source information and food receipts from the restaurant. A visit to the restaurant was conducted on January 16, 2024, where investigators reviewed the restaurant's food preparation processes. No contributing factors to the outbreak were identified. The restaurant has since conducted a thorough deep cleaning and reinforced food safety training with staff.

Laboratory testing confirmed all three cases as Salmonella infections. Further testing revealed that all three cases were infected with the same strain of Salmonella, as determined by genetic fingerprinting (whole genome sequencing or WGS) at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory.

If you or a loved one are experiencing Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/disease-illness/foodborne-illness-outbreaks/2024-feb-1-ihop