Beef Kofta at The Kebab Shop Linked to E. coli Outbreak
Public Health Alert
This is a USDA/FSIS Public Health Alert. Unlike a recall, the company has not issued a voluntary recall, but FSIS is alerting consumers to a potential food safety concern.
Reported Health Impact
9
Illnesses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert concerning beef kofta products served at The Kebab Shop. These products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a potentially harmful bacterium.
Affected Products:
- Raw ground beef kofta produced by Olympia Food Industries, Inc. on January 6, 2026.
- Distributed to The Kebab Shop locations in California, Texas, and Florida.
Reason for Alert:
The alert follows an investigation into an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in California, which has sickened nine people. The investigation is ongoing, with FSIS and the California Department of Public Health leading efforts to determine the source of the contamination.
Consumer Guidance:
- Consumers who have eaten beef kofta from The Kebab Shop and experience symptoms of E. coli infection should contact their healthcare provider.
- Discard any leftover beef kofta from The Kebab Shop.
- As a precaution, cook all ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, verified with a food thermometer.
Health Risks:
E. coli O157:H7 can cause severe symptoms, including dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In some cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition affecting the kidneys.
For more information, consumers can contact The Kebab Shop at 888-965-5821 or [email protected]. For general food safety questions, reach out to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or [email protected].