FSIS Issues Public Health Alert Over ‘The Kebab Shop' Koftas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for beef kofta products served at the popular restaurant chain, The Kebab Shop, after they were linked to an E. coli outbreak across three states.
Why the FSIS Issued the Alert
The FSIS issued the warning on May 24, 2026, due to concerns that the beef koftas might be contaminated with Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7, a potentially dangerous foodborne pathogen.
The alert stems from an ongoing outbreak investigation, during which federal officials tested product samples that came back positive for the bacteria.
Although no formal recall was announced, the agency said this is because the affected product is no longer available for purchase, after being removed from menus.
Where the Product Was Sold
The impacted beef kofta was produced by Olympia Food Industries in Illinois and distributed exclusively to The Kebab Shop locations in counties in California, Texas, and Florida.
California:
- San Diego (12 restaurants)
- Orange County (8 restaurants)
- Los Angeles (9 restaurants)
- Bay Area (9 restaurants)
Texas:
- Austin (6 restaurants)
- Dallas (2 restaurants)
- Houston (10 restaurants)
Florida:
- South Florida (3 restaurants)
As a precaution, the restaurant chain voluntarily stopped selling all beef kofta at all 50 of its restaurants on May 18, several days before the alert was issued.
Details About This E. Coli Outbreak
Health officials have linked the product to nine confirmed illnesses in California, with cases reported between March 27 and April 30, 2026.
Several cases have been severe, including five hospitalizations and two instances of a serious kidney complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), according to Food Safety News.
As of now, no cases in other states have been confirmed, and authorities say the risk of ongoing exposure is low because the product has already been removed.
Why E. Coli Is Dangerous
E. coli is a group of bacteria, most of which are harmless, but certain strains, like O157:H7, can cause serious illness by producing toxins that damage the intestines and kidneys.
Foodborne illnesses, like E. Coli, overall affect around 9 million people in the United States each year, hospitalizing around 56,000 and causing 1,300 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
E. Coli Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of E. coli infection typically appear 2 to 8 days after exposure and can include:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea, often bloody
- Vomiting and fever
- Signs of dehydration
The FSIS says that while most people will recover from the illness within a week, some-particularly children and older adults-may develop life-threatening complications, including kidney failure, or Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
What Consumers Should Do
FSIS advises anyone who consumed beef kofta from The Kebab Shop and develops symptoms within 10 days to:
- Contact a healthcare provider immediately
- Inform doctors about possible exposure to E. coli
- Seek urgent care if dehydration or severe symptoms occur
The FSIS warns that if consumers have any leftover beef koftas from The Kebab Shop, they should discard them immediately to prevent further risk.
The outbreak investigation is ongoing, led by FSIS in coordination with the California Department of Public Health and local agencies. The immediate risk appears contained.
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 10:59 AM.