An outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 occurred among patrons of the Captain's Galley Restaurant in China Grove, North Carolina. Case-patients had eaten at the restaurant between May 26 and June 3. The restaurant was closed on June 18 by public health officials after learning that restaurant employees had slaughtered a goat in the restaurant after hours prior to the outbreak. This allegedly was done without the owners' knowledge. It was not confirmed whether the outbreak was in any way related to the slaughter of the goat. The specific vehicle of infection was not named.