In 2019 the CDC, several states, the FDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency investigated a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O103:H2 and O121:H19 infections linked to ground bison produced by Northfork Bison Distributions, Inc. in Saint-Leonard, Quebec, Canada. A total of 33 people infections with the outbreak strains of STEC O103 (8 people) or STEC O121 (21 people) or both (4 people) were reported from 8 states. Ill persons reported eating ground bison in burgers at restaurants and at home. Dates of illness onset ranged from March 18, 2019 to August 11, 2019. Of 31 people with information available, 18 were hospitalized. No deaths and no cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome were reported.

On July 16, 2019 Northfork Bison Distributions recalled ground bison sold to distributors as ground bison and bison patties. Recalled meat was produced between February 22, 2019 and April 30, 2019.