Belgrade Fall Festival Illness Traced to Beef Brisket

The Belgrade Fall Festival in Montana experienced a foodborne illness outbreak, with over 200 people falling ill. The Gallatin City-County Health Department has identified beef brisket as the likely culprit and has advised people to discard any leftover brisket from the event. The department is still investigating the specific pathogen responsible for the outbreak, but it caused gastrointestinal illness. This is the second reported outbreak the department has investigated this year. Health officials urge proper food preparation practices, such as ensuring that those handling food are not ill, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining appropriate cooking and holding temperatures. The Belgrade Chamber of Commerce and event participants have been cooperative in assisting with the investigation.