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California public health officials are working with local health departments and federal partners to investigate an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to beef kofta served at several California locations of The Kebab Shop restaurant chain.
The Kebab Shop has voluntarily paused sales of grilled beef kofta at all locations, according to an outbreak notice posted by the California Department of Public Health.
As of May 19, 2026, nine California residents had been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. Illness onset dates range from March 27 through April 30. Six illnesses are in children. Five individuals have been hospitalized, and two have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported. No individuals from other states are currently linked to the outbreak.
Interviews with ill individuals indicate that grilled beef kofta served at The Kebab Shop is the likely outbreak source. 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 risk of exposure to this product is not ongoing at this time. While the investigation is ongoing, current information suggests the implicated beef product was distributed only to The Kebab Shop. The state health department and partner agencies continue to investigate to identify the cause of the outbreak, monitor for additional ill persons, and conduct product testing.
About E. coli infections
Food contaminated with E. coli does not look, smell or taste bad.
Anyone who has eaten at the implicated restaurants and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications.
About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor.
Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients.
People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.
Coral Beach
Managing Editor Coral Beach is a print journalist with more than 35 years experience as a reporter and editor for daily newspapers, trade publications and freelance clients including the Kansas City Star and Independence Examiner.
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