The USDA is warning consumers after beef kofta products that were served at The Kebab Shop restaurants sickened at least 9 people in California with E. coli O157:H7.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting E. coli food poisoning cases in all 50 states. If you got sick after eating beef kofta at The Kebab Shop that was linked to an E. coli outbreak, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
The Kebab Shop Beef Kofta Linked to E. Coli Outbreak
In May 2026, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for beef kofta products served at The Kebab Shop restaurant locations due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7.
Beef Kofta Supplied by Olympia Foods
The beef kofta was produced as a raw ground beef product by Olympia Food Industries, Inc. dba Olympia Foods in Franklin Park, Illinois, on January 6, 2026, and supplied to The Kebab Shop restaurant locations in California, Texas, and Florida.
The problem was discovered as part of an ongoing illness outbreak investigation. FSIS, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and local California health departments are investigating a localized outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that includes 9 sick people in California.
Was There a Recall?
No. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase. The Kebab Shop stopped selling beef kofta at all of its restaurant locations on May 18, 2026. The company also ended its supplier relationship with Olympia Foods.
How Many People Got Sick?
Health officials reported 9 illnesses in California in this outbreak. The illness onset dates range from March 27, 2026, to April 30, 2026. No illnesses were reported in Texas and Florida.
According to the FSIS update, health officials collected samples of the raw ground beef kofta products, which tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product samples are related to the specific outbreak strain.
What Is the E. Coli Risk?
According to FSIS, E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps 2 to 8 days (3 to 4 days, on average) after exposure to the organism. Symptoms of STEC infection may include:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea, often bloody
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). FSIS states that this condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and older adults, and that it is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output.
How To Identify the Recalled Beef Kofta
The beef kofta that has been linked to this outbreak was served at The Kebab Shop restaurant locations in California, Texas, and Florida. Key details from the public health alert include:
- Product: beef kofta (seasoned ground beef kebabs)
- Produced by: Olympia Food Industries, Inc. dba Olympia Foods (Est. 18743), Franklin Park, Illinois
- Production date: January 6, 2026
- Distributed to: The Kebab Shop locations in California, Texas, and Florida
- Pathogen: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7
What Should I Do?
FSIS has advised consumers to discard any leftover beef kofta from The Kebab Shop. The agency also states that consumers who ate beef kofta from any location of The Kebab Shop and develop symptoms of STEC infection within 10 days of exposure should contact their health care provider. For more information, you can read the official USDA FSIS public health alert or the CDPH outbreak announcement.
Do I Have a The Kebab Shop E. Coli Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting E. coli food poisoning cases in all 50 states. If you got sick after eating beef kofta at The Kebab Shop that was linked to an E. coli outbreak, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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