STONY BROOK, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- Dozens of people were sickened in an apparent food poisoning incident at a Long Island sushi restaurant over the weekend that Suffolk County health officials believe may have been caused by "mishandled rice."
Twelve people were hospitalized of the 28 sickened by a foodborne illness at Kumo Japanese Steakhouse on Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook on Saturday afternoon.
All of them were released from the hospital the same day, according to the Suffolk Department of Health Services.
The health department believes the incident may have been caused by "mishandled and improperly stored cooked rice that was served."
The restaurant was issued 15 violations by the department.
One patron who'd attended a baby shower at the restaurant Saturday told Newsday that she left the party around 3:30 p.m. and soon felt sick. She said she had uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea for the next 12 hours.
"Multiple" 911 calls came in shortly after 4 p.m., according to Suffolk County Fire, with a total of 13 area fire departments and Suffolk County Police responding to the scene and ultimately clearing the area around 6 p.m.
"All of the corrective actions were taken and the restaurant is open," Suffolk County spokesperson Marykate Guilfoyle told Newsday.