FOB Sushi, a popular Seattle sushi bar, has closed its doors indefinitely after a viral TikTok video sparked rumors of worms in their sashimi. The video, posted by a well-known food influencer, quickly gained traction on social media, drawing attention to the restaurant—but also fueling concerns about the safety of its food.
The TikTok Controversy
The controversy began last week when TikTok influencer @keith_lee125 visited FOB Sushi, showcasing the restaurant’s dishes in a video that quickly went viral. However, what was meant to be a positive spotlight turned into a storm of negative attention when viewers pointed out what appeared to be movement in the sashimi. Some viewers speculated that the movement was caused by worms, a claim that sent shockwaves through social media and sparked concerns among potential customers.
In response to the growing rumors, FOB Sushi posted a statement on their official Instagram account, reassuring their followers that the movement observed in the sashimi was not due to worms but instead a natural elasticity in the fish. The restaurant explained that they follow strict FDA and HACCP standards to ensure the highest quality and safety in their food, and the video’s movement was likely caused by the pressure applied by chopsticks or the natural texture of the fish.
“We want to directly address a false statement about our sashimi,” the restaurant wrote. “At FOB Sushi, we follow strict FDA and HACCP standards to ensure the highest quality and safety in every dish. The movement in the video is due to natural elasticity in the fish—not worms. Rumors like this can harm small businesses, so we’re addressing it head-on.”
Restaurant Closes for Investigation
Despite the reassurance, the damage had been done. By the following week, FOB Sushi made the decision to temporarily close both their Seattle and Bellevue locations. In a statement, the restaurant explained that they were conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and taking additional steps to ensure the safety and quality of their food moving forward.
While FOB Sushi emphasized that the video’s claims were unfounded, the closure reflects the serious impact that viral rumors can have on small businesses, particularly in the competitive food industry.
The Fallout
The closure has left many customers disappointed, especially those who had recently visited the restaurant after the TikTok feature. While FOB Sushi continues to assure customers that the fish served at their restaurant meets strict safety standards, the incident has raised questions about the power of social media in shaping public perception—especially when it comes to food safety.
As of now, there is no evidence that any customers have been affected by the issues raised in the viral video, and the restaurant continues to stand by its food safety practices.
For updates, customers are encouraged to follow FOB Sushi on social media or contact the restaurant directly for more information.
