According to press reports “They said they believe the outbreak began with one Montana-based distributor who supplied ground beef to multiple restaurants. They do not believe the beef was available for consumer purchase at any grocery stores.”

Transparency in public health is key to the public’s trust in health officials. The names of the restaurants and beef distributor should be named in the chance that other products might well be contaminated and at risk for consumption. Why hasn’t a recall of the ground beef been initiated? Where is the USDA/FSIS in this investigation?

The Flathead City-County Health Department (FCCHD), the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), and other local health departments, are working together to investigate an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak originating in Flathead County.

To date, the investigation has identified at least 13 individuals associated with the outbreak. Many of the cases experienced moderate to severe symptoms, and one death has occurred. Preliminary investigative findings indicate that ground beef containing the E. coli bacteria may be the exposure of concern. State partners continue to test clinical and food samples for laboratory confirmation.mp

The FCCHD and DPHHS investigation has determined that the ground beef identified as the potential source of the outbreak was sold directly to several restaurants from a distributor. The product was not available for purchase by consumers in grocery store settings. Public health staff worked directly with all affected facilities to remove any remaining product. The last known date of consumption of the product was July 14th, 2024.