Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman, MT linked to a foodborne illness outbreak

115 North Bozeman Avenue, Bozeman, 59715 Montana, United States

Update July 19, 2023

As part of this investigation, GCCHD, Montana DPHHS and CDC conducted 2 epidemiological studies into the cause of illnesses; one study focused on restaurant customers and the second study focused on restaurant employees. The study among restaurant customers suggested that the cultivated morel mushrooms consumed at the restaurant were likely the source of gastrointestinal illnesses in this outbreak. For the study among the restaurant employees, the small number of employees in the restaurant limits the conclusions that can be made; however, a relationship was observed between employees who ate a larger amount of morel mushrooms and the development of gastrointestinal illness.

The morel mushrooms served at the restaurant where the ill customers ate during March and April 2023 were either prepared raw or lightly cooked, depending on the date served. FDA and state partners conducted traceback on the morel mushrooms received by the restaurant in Montana and identified other restaurants that also received morel mushrooms from the same importer. These restaurants reported various forms of cooking or thoroughly heating the morel mushrooms, but no significant findings or reports of illnesses were associated with morel mushrooms served by other restaurants.

As of July 19, 2023, the investigation has identified a total of 51 illnesses in people who ate at the restaurant with the last illness onset date of April 21, 2023. There has been a total of 3 hospitalizations and 2 deaths associated with this incident. The FDA’s investigation has ended and Montana DPHHS and GCCHD are continuing to conduct follow-up activities related to this incident, however, there does not appear to be any further risk to the public.

Source: FDA

Update May 19, 2023

The FDA and the CDC are assisting Gallatin City-County Health Department and the DPHHS with an investigation of illnesses at this restaurant in Montana. As of May 15, 2023, the investigation has identified 50 ill people who ate at the restaurant between March 28 and April 17, 2023, of whom 44 people reported eating morel mushrooms. There have been 3 hospitalizations and 2 deaths associated with this incident. A sample of leftover mushrooms were collected from the restaurant and laboratory analysis determined that the sampled mushrooms were true morels. Currently, no pathogen, toxin, pesticide, or heavy metal has been identified. The investigation is ongoing.

The morel mushrooms served at the restaurant were distributed to multiple states; however, at this time, this appears to be a localized issue and no illnesses have been identified outside of the single restaurant in Montana.

FDA recommends the following:
- Consumers should eat morel and other wild-type mushrooms at their own risk. Properly cooking morel mushrooms can reduce risk of illness, however there is no guarantee of safety even if cooking steps are taken prior to consumption. Anyone eating, selling, or serving morel mushrooms, or other wild-type of mushrooms, should exercise caution. There are varieties of poisonous wild mushrooms that look very similar to morel mushrooms. If you are preparing morels, you should confirm the identity of each mushroom, and consult with a knowledgeable expert as the poisonous species have been known to grow near edible species in the wild.
- If you are preparing morel or other wild-type mushrooms, you should inspect for any signs of spoilage as toxin presence and levels may be affected by freshness or lack thereof. Choose mushrooms that are dry and firm and avoid those that are bruised, discolored, or slimy.
- Mushrooms should be refrigerated at a temperature of 40° F or below, either in their original packaging or in breathable type packaging, such as a paper bag.
- Conditions in which wild-type mushrooms are packaged and stored can contribute to growth of harmful bacteria and toxins. Harvesters and manufacturers should pack mushrooms in breathable packaging to allow air flow through the container which will prevent growth of these pathogens.

Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-morel-mushrooms-may-2023

Update May 17, 2023

The Gallatin City-County Health Department, with support from the DPHHS, the CDC, and the FDA, is still investigating the outbreak linked to Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman. This investigation may not be able to identify a specific pathogen/toxin as a source of the outbreak that impacted 50 people. 3 individuals had severe outcomes, including hospitalizations, and the deaths of two individuals are being investigated after eating at the restaurant. The manner and cause of death for these two individuals will remain pending until autopsy and toxicology results are available.

The preliminary analysis strongly suggests that the morel mushrooms were the food item that caused the outbreak and that other menu items that did not contain morel mushrooms were not associated with persons becoming ill. Dave’s Sushi has removed and discarded all morel mushrooms and other food inventory and has corrected all violations from the April 18, 2023 inspection.

On May 17, 2023, the Gallatin City-County Health Officer determined that there is no longer an imminent health hazard preventing the establishment from reopening and rescinded the Closure Order, and instituted a new Health Officer Order. This new order requires specific corrective actions that Dave’s Sushi has to satisfy prior to the restaurant re-opening for food service to mitigate any future risks to public health.

Source: www.healthygallatin.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Press-Release_-Daves-Sushi-Update-May-17-2023.pdf

Update May 03, 2023

The Gallatin City-County Health Department, the DPHHS, other local health departments, and federal agencies continue to investigate the foodborne illness outbreak linked to eating food at Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman. To date, the investigation has identified at least 30 individuals associated with this outbreak who ate at the restaurant between March 31 and April 17, 2023. Three individuals had severe outcomes, including hospitalizations, and the deaths of 2 individuals are being investigated after eating at the restaurant. The manner and cause of death for these two individuals will remain pending until autopsy and toxicology results are available.

The pattern of illness identified through case investigation, to date, indicates individuals became sick within 30 minutes to 4.5 hours after their meal. Preliminary investigative findings indicate that food containing morel mushrooms may be the exposure of concern. Currently, no pathogen/toxin has been identified, and both state and federal partners continue to test clinical and food samples.

The DPHHS investigation has determined that the morel mushrooms served at the restaurant were not distributed to any other restaurants or businesses in Montana. The mushrooms were cultivated in China, shipped to a distributor in California, and subsequently sent to multiple states. There are no known associated illnesses in other states identified at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: dphhs.mt.gov/News/2023/May/GallatinCity-CountyHealthDepartment,DPHHSContinuetoInvestigateFoodborneOutbreak

April 21, 2023

The Gallatin City-County Health Department is investigating a possible foodborne illness outbreak linked to Dave’s Sushi restaurant located at 115 N Bozeman Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715. The health department indicated that the illnesses have been linked to eating at this restaurant on the afternoon of April 17, as well as April 1, April 8, April 9, and April 10. At this time, it is unclear what pathogen caused the illness. The investigation is ongoing.

On April 18, the health department performed an inspection and reportedly found Dave’s Sushi with four violations. Dave’s Sushi will remain closed until further notice.

According to the news, Dave's Sushi provided the following information:
"We understand that several of our customers who dined with us on Monday, April 17, 2023 became ill. We believe that the common ingredient that may have been consumed was FDA-approved, cultured, morel mushrooms used in Monday’s special roll. We promptly contacted the Gallatin County Health Department and have voluntarily closed while the health department conducts their investigation. We will remain temporarily closed until we get more information."

In case you experience vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, report it now. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: www.kbzk.com/news/local-news/daves-sushi-closed-until-further-notice-by-health-department-due-to-possible-foodborne-illness