Gammeeok, a popular restaurant in Manhattan’s Koreatown, was shut down on Wednesday after a customer reported finding a dead rat in their soup. Eunice Lucero-Lee and her husband, long-time customers of the establishment, ordered a spicy beef soup dish called sogogi gukbap, only to allegedly find a dead mouse floating in the stew. The couple claimed to have suffered “severe, serious, and permanent injuries” as a result and have filed a lawsuit against the restaurant for “negligent infliction of emotional distress.”
Despite notifying the restaurant about their order, Gammeeok remained open until the New York City Health Department shut them down on Wednesday. The restaurant has a “C” rating on the health agency’s website and has been cited for sanitary violations on multiple occasions.
Gammeeok has since denied seeing any rats while preparing the soup and has accused the couple of making false allegations. The restaurant claims to have reviewed security footage and “couldn’t find any problems” and has accused the couple of attacking them through social media.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among consumers, with many questioning the safety and cleanliness of their favorite restaurants. While the investigation is ongoing, it serves as a reminder of the importance of proper food safety and sanitation practices.
Customers have the right to expect safe and clean food from restaurants, and any violation of this trust should not go unpunished. More than ever, it is essential for restaurants to prioritize the health and safety of their customers and implement robust food safety protocols to prevent incidents like this from happening.
