The Cascade County Health Department (CCHD) has issued a notice regarding ice produced at Great Falls Ice Co., located at 2801 Great Bear Ave in Great Falls, Montana. This facility has been identified as unlicensed and is not compliant with local health and safety regulations. Any ice produced there is considered an unapproved source, raising concerns about potential contamination and safety for human consumption.
In response to this issue, the Health Department has mandated that Great Falls Ice Co. halt all ice production effective July 2, 2025, until the facility meets necessary licensing requirements. Retail food establishments that may have received ice from this unapproved source have been informed of the situation.
Consumers are advised to avoid consuming ice from Great Falls Ice Co., as it has been reported that some bags contain small plastic pieces. If you have already purchased ice bags with the address of 2801 Great Bear Ave, the ice is safe to use in keeping items cool, but not to consume.
For further questions, please call the CCHD at 406-454-6950.
UPDATE:
Great Falls Ice Co. has faced licensing issues after failing to properly obtain the necessary permits for their new facility from both the county and the city. This problem came to light when the Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) received a complaint from a member of the public, accompanied by photographic evidence showing what looked like black pieces of material in the ice produced by the company. Upon inspection, CCHD sanitarians collected ice samples that revealed visible black plastic, which the owner attributed to new auger equipment being used on-site, where construction is still ongoing.
Great Falls Ice Co. is currently repairing the faulty equipment and is cooperating with local authorities to secure the required licensing and occupancy certification. Meanwhile, the business will temporarily distribute ice sourced from a licensed facility in Missoula, MT, while storing it at their previously licensed location.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
