California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and USDA FSIS investigated an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7 infections associated with consumption of beef kofta (seasoned ground beef kebabs) served at The Kebab Shop restaurant chain locations in Northern and Southern California.

Nine California residents were infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O157:H7. Illness onset dates range from March 27 through April 30, 2026. Six illnesses were in children. Five individuals were hospitalized, and two developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). No deaths were reported. No individuals from other states were currently linked to this outbreak as of May 19.

Interviews with ill individuals indicate that grilled beef kofta served at The Kebab Shop was the likely outbreak source. The Kebab Shop fully cooperated with public health officials and voluntarily paused sales of grilled beef kofta at all locations on May 18.

Whole genome sequencing results show that the beef kofta samples collected by FSIS and produced at Olympia Food Industries (Est. 18743) matched the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7.

A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.