California health officials are investigating a Shiga toxin–producing E. coli O157:H7 outbreak connected to beef kofta served at multiple locations of The Kebab Shop across the state. As of May 19, officials confirm nine California residents have been infected, with illness onset dates ranging from March 27 to April 30. Six of the cases involve children, and five individuals have been hospitalized, including two who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication. No deaths have been reported.
Interviews with infected individuals indicate that grilled beef kofta served at the chain is the likely source of the outbreak. The Kebab Shop has voluntarily paused all sales of grilled beef kofta at every location as of May 18, and health officials state that there is no ongoing risk from the product currently. The implicated beef product was distributed only to The Kebab Shop, according to state investigators.
Two of the nine confirmed cases occurred in San Diego County, where one patient required hospitalization but has since been released. Officials urge anyone who ate beef kofta from any Kebab Shop location and developed symptoms within 10 days to contact a healthcare provider. Symptoms of STEC infection typically include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, often appearing three to four days after exposure.
The California Department of Public Health, along with local and federal partners, continues to investigate the outbreak, conduct product testing, and monitor for additional cases. The Kebab Shop is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Sources
- California Department of Public Health
- NBC 7 San Diego
- FOX 5 / KUSI San Diego