Unraveling the Secrets Behind Dave’s Sushi Outbreak: A Journey through Bozeman’s Restaurant Reopening and Food Safety Initiatives

In May 2023, Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman reopened after being closed for almost a year due to an outbreak that affected 50 people and resulted in two deaths. The investigation revealed that the morel mushrooms served by the restaurant were not cooked properly, leading to toxin contamination. Despite this, the Gallatin City-County Health Department (GCCHD) has been tight-lipped about the specifics of the outbreak at the restaurant. However, they have shared that there are five main risk factors that contribute to food-borne illnesses, including unsafe food sources, improper food storage temperatures, undercooked or raw food, contaminated environments and equipment, and poor personal hygiene of handlers. Since reopening, Dave’s Sushi has been closely monitored by the health department with frequent inspections to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. During the last inspection on December 20th 2023, two violations were reported but were promptly addressed and resolved on-site.