TikTok star and food critic Keith Lee, renowned for his engaging reviews of small businesses, recently found himself at the center of controversy following a viral incident involving a Seattle sushi restaurant. Known for his influence, with 16.8 million followers, Keith Lee’s latest culinary adventure at FOB Sushi Bar took an unexpected turn, leading to the restaurant’s indefinite closure.
During a trip to Seattle, Washington, Lee visited FOB Sushi Bar, a highly recommended spot among locals. On November 9, 2024, he posted a TikTok video of his dining experience, showcasing various dishes he tried. However, as the video gained traction, viewers pointed out what appeared to be a worm moving on a piece of sushi Lee was eating.
“Somebody slowed the video down, and it did appear that something moved,” Lee later explained in a follow-up TikTok post. “1000% transparency: I didn’t see anything until somebody pointed it out. I can’t confirm or deny what it was, but I can confirm I am OK.”
While Lee confirmed he experienced no ill effects, he mentioned that a follower who visited the restaurant on his recommendation allegedly fell ill and required hospitalization.
The video sparked alarm online, with viewers flooding social media with reactions. Comments ranged from disgust to caution about eating raw fish. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Keith Lee has apparently eaten a parasite while trying sushi in Seattle.” Others criticized the risks of relying on TikTok reviews for dining recommendations.
Seattle’s food safety department has since announced plans to investigate the restaurant’s compliance with food safety measures.
The restaurant issued a statement denying the presence of worms, attributing the movement in the fish to its natural elasticity or the pressure of chopsticks. “This is not indicative of worms or any health concerns,” FOB Sushi Bar assured in an Instagram post.
The establishment also emphasized its adherence to FDA guidelines, which require freezing fish at specific temperatures to eliminate parasites. Despite these reassurances, the restaurant decided to temporarily shut down its Seattle and Bellevue locations as of midnight on Monday to address the concerns and conduct a thorough investigation.
Keith Lee’s video has reignited discussions around the risks associated with eating raw foods and the impact of viral social media posts on businesses. While FOB Sushi Bar works to resolve the issue, the incident serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility of influencers in shaping public perception.
For now, fans of both Lee and sushi will be keeping a close eye on how this controversy unfolds.