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On May 24, 2026, FSIS issued a public health alert for beef kofta products served at The Kebab Shop restaurant locations in California, Texas, and Florida due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7 [1]. A formal recall was not issued because The Kebab Shop had already removed the beef kofta from its menu at all locations on May 18, 2026. The outbreak investigation is ongoing and is being led by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in coordination with FSIS and local health departments.
What Products Are Affected?
The alert covers beef kofta products served at The Kebab Shop restaurant locations in California, Texas, and Florida. The beef kofta was produced as a raw ground beef product by Olympia Food Industries, Inc., doing business as Olympia Foods (Est. 18743), of Franklin Park, Illinois, on January 6, 2026, and supplied to The Kebab Shop restaurant locations in those three states.
The Kebab Shop voluntarily stopped selling beef kofta at all of its restaurant locations on May 18, 2026. Consumers who have any leftover beef kofta from The Kebab Shop are advised to discard it immediately.
What Is the Hazard?
E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and severe abdominal cramps, typically appearing two to eight days after exposure, with most symptoms developing within three to four days. While most healthy adults recover within a week, the infection can trigger a life-threatening condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a form of kidney failure. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under five years old and elderly individuals. Signs of HUS include easy bruising, paleness, and decreased urine output, and may require emergency medical treatment.
Incidents and Injuries
As of May 24, 2026, nine people in California have been reported ill in connection with this outbreak. Illness onset dates range from March 27, 2026, to April 30, 2026. FSIS collected raw ground beef kofta samples that tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Further testing is ongoing to determine whether the product samples match the specific outbreak strain.
What Caused the Alert?
The public health alert was triggered by an ongoing outbreak investigation into E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in California that have been linked to beef kofta served at The Kebab Shop. Federal officials collected and tested raw ground beef kofta product samples, which came back positive for the bacterium. Investigators are continuing to work to confirm whether the tested samples are genetically linked to the outbreak strain affecting the nine reported cases.
What Should Consumers Do?
Customers who ate beef kofta at any The Kebab Shop location and develop symptoms of E. coli infection within ten days of exposure should contact their healthcare provider immediately and inform the doctor of the possible exposure. Consumers who experience severe symptoms — including signs of dehydration or kidney problems — should seek urgent medical care.
Consumers with food safety questions may contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline toll-free at 888-674-6854 or by email at MPHotline@usda.gov.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Customers who ate beef kofta at The Kebab Shop and subsequently became ill with E. coli may have significant legal options. A class action lawsuit could allow affected individuals to recover compensation for medical expenses, hospitalization costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related losses. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your rights.
References
1. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-beef-kofta-products-served-kebab-shop-restaurant