QQ Sushi passes health inspection, lays off entire kitchen and management staff

Erin Robinson by Erin Robinson

Copyright 4 News Now

SPOKANE, Wash. — QQ Sushi has passed an inspection by the Spokane Regional Health District and will reopen soon.

The local sushi restaurant came under fire earlier this week after a viral video showed food being handled in unacceptable conditions.

According to SRHD, the restaurant’s owner, Bao Zhang, decided to temporarily close the restaurant to meet with staff and conduct his own investigation into what happened. As a result, he has laid off the entire kitchen staff and management staff will be replaced.

“I was deeply disturbed by what I saw on those videos,” said Zhang. “That does not accurately portray me and how I run my business, I have owned QQ Sushi for more than five years. We have thousands of good reviews online averaging 4 out of 5 stars and often have a line of people out the door. Our customers are like family to me, so I hope people know I’m taking this seriously and want to get back to serving the community with delicious food as I have for the past five years.”

The SRHD said Zhang fully cooperated with health inspectors who conducted their own investigation. The health inspectors gave their authorization for the restaurant to remain open and met with Zhang and his staff, alongside a translator, to review proper food handling and best practices for maintaining a sanitary kitchen.

Zhang decided to replace his staff because of the incident. He said this has been a learning experience for everyone and will make sure that his employees have a solid understanding of safe food handling practices moving forward.

“I sincerely apologize for the distress this has caused our customers and the Spokane community,” Zhang said. “I usually go to great lengths to ensure that we are serving the best quality food, made with the best ingredients in a safe environment. What we all witnessed is not acceptable and we are doing everything we can to make sure this never happens again.”

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