Local health officials are investigating a Nashville sushi restaurant after multiple customers reported severe food poisoning symptoms. Approximately a dozen patrons of Sushi Train experienced rapid-onset illness after dining at the establishment, which features a conveyor belt serving system, according to The Tennessean.
The Metro Public Health Department of Nashville and Davidson County confirmed an active investigation is underway. A department representative stated via email that while determining the exact source of any illness is challenging, their investigation aims to identify the most plausible cause.
When contacted by The Tennessean, a person answering the phone at Sushi Train indicated no knowledge of the reported illnesses, and management was not immediately available for comment. As of yesterday, the restaurant was still open for business.
During a routine inspection on April 14, health department officials documented 16 food safety violations at the establishment. Among the concerns, inspectors found sushi on the conveyor belt measuring 60 degrees Fahrenheit and imitation crab meat stored at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Food safety guidelines require prepared sushi that isn’t served immediately to be held at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent bacterial growth.
Additional violations included insufficient soap supplies in the employee restroom and inadequate chlorine levels in the dish washing machine for proper sanitization. The report also noted multiple instances of improper storage of potentially hazardous food, inadequate sanitization of food-contact surfaces, and improper chemical storage.
Three days following the initial inspection, health department officials conducted a follow-up investigation prompted by two additional complaints alleging potential foodborne illness or chemical contamination of food.
Health officials have stated the restaurant will face closure if continued violations are discovered. The initial inspection report and other routine evaluations are accessible through the Tennessee Department of Health website.
This is far from the first sushi restaurant to come under scrutiny for outbreaks of foodborne illness. In 2023, over 140 illnesses were linked to a sushi restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Also in 2023, a deadly outbreak of foodborne illness at Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman, Montana was tied back to undercooked morel mushrooms. Over 50 people were sickened, resulting in three hospitalizations, and two deaths. A lawsuit was filed by national food safety law firm Ron Simon & Associates seeking compensation for damages in that case.
