On Saturday, September 9, a distressing incident unfolded at Kumo, a restaurant in Stony Brook, New York, where numerous patrons were reportedly hospitalized after consuming food. Witnesses at the scene recounted that within a mere 15 minutes of consuming fried rice and chicken at the establishment, customers began experiencing severe vomiting.
According to officials from Long Island, at least 13 individuals were transported to a local hospital in the aftermath of the alarming incident. Several other diners are also reported to be suffering from symptoms consistent with food poisoning.
Fire and Rescue authorities have indicated that medical professionals have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the extreme reactions observed among the affected patrons. In response to the incident, officials issued 15 separate citations against Kumo. The Suffolk County Health Department has initiated an investigation into the matter.
Arial Arias, a local Centereach resident, shared her account of the incident at Kumo in an interview with Long Island 12 News. Arias explained that she had been at the restaurant to celebrate her daughter’s 13th birthday. Shortly after their meal at the establishment, several of the girls in the party began vomiting.
Arias described the distressing scene, saying, “It was traumatic. One girl was projectile vomiting. I still didn’t know if it was anxiety. I happened to look over, (and saw) another girl projectile vomiting.”
Around 4 p.m. on that fateful day, Suffolk County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency services received multiple reports of ill customers at Kumo. Upon their arrival, officials encountered several individuals experiencing severe nausea and vomiting.
Thirteen of the affected individuals were swiftly transported by emergency personnel to three different hospitals in proximity to Stony Brook’s Nesconset Highway. A number of additional Kumo customers decided to seek medical attention on their own.
News reports from News Day have indicated that local authorities are grappling with a situation that may encompass more than 28 patrons who suffered from serious food poisoning as a result of their dining experience at Kumo. As reported by News 12, the restaurant has since been closed, and it is not currently responding to media inquiries.
Arial Arias expressed her intent to take legal action against Kumo, saying, “I’m extremely angry with the business. 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.” The incident has left many in the community deeply concerned and seeking answers regarding the cause of the food-related illnesses.
