State health officials probe E. coli outbreak linked to Kebab Shop

State health authorities are investigating an E. coli outbreak connected to The Kebab Shop restaurant chain in the Bay Area. The California Public Health Department warned consumers about E. coli associated with seasoned ground beef kebabs, known as beef kofta, served at these locations. The strain can produce Shiga toxin, and infected people may experience bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Nine California residents were reported infected, with illness onset dates from March 27 through April 30, 2026. No deaths were reported. Most people recover within a week, though some may develop severe illness requiring hospital care. The Kebab Shop paused sales of grilled beef kofta on May 18 and is cooperating with officials. Current information suggests the implicated product was distributed only to The Kebab Shop, and exposure risk is not ongoing.

"State health authorities are investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to The Kebab Shop restaurant chain, which operates several dining establishments in the Bay Area. The California Public Health Department has warned consumers to be aware of E. coli tied to seasoned ground beef kebabs known as beef kofta that are served at these eateries. This E. coli strain can produce a Shiga toxin. Those who are infected can suffer symptoms that include diarrhea that is often bloody, vomiting and abdominal cramps, according to health authorities."

""The Kebab Shop is fully cooperating with public health officials and voluntarily paused sales of grilled beef kofta at all locations on May 18," the state agency reported. As of May 19, 2026, nine California residents were infected with the outbreak strain in question. Illness onset dates range from March 27 through April 30, 2026. No deaths have been reported."

"Most people recover within a week. Some victims, however, may develop severe diseases that require hospital care, health officials stated. "The risk of exposure to this product is not ongoing at this time," the California health agency stated. "While the investigation is ongoing, current information suggests the implicated beef product was distributed only to The Kebab Shop.""

Read at The Mercury News