The USDA warned that beef kofta served at The Kebab Shop was linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that has sickened 9 people, and that the contaminated beef was distributed to restaurant locations in Texas, California, and Florida. Product samples tested positive for the potentially deadly bacterium.

Need a Texas E. Coli Food Poisoning Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you got sick after eating beef kofta at The Kebab Shop, contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

The Kebab Shop Linked to Multistate E. Coli Outbreak

In May 2026, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for beef kofta served at The Kebab Shop restaurant locations due to concerns about contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7.

Where Was The Beef Kofta Manufactured?

The beef kofta was produced as a raw ground beef product by Olympia Food Industries, Inc. (doing busines as Olympia Foods), a company that is located in Franklin Park, Illinois, on January 6, 2026.

The product was supplied to The Kebab Shop locations in California, Texas, and Florida. Illnesses were only reported in California. Local California health departments are investigating a localized outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that includes 9 sick people in California.

FSIS collected raw ground beef kofta product samples that tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, with further testing ongoing to determine if the samples are related to the specific outbreak strain. A formal 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.

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. Symptoms of STEC infection may include:

  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea, often bloody
  • Vomiting
  • Dehydration

While most people recover within a week, FSIS warns that some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and older adults, and it is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output.

Which Products Are Affected?

Health officials have linked the following product to the E. coli outbreak:

  • Beef kofta (seasoned ground beef kebabs) served at The Kebab Shop
  • Produced by Olympia Food Industries, Inc. dba Olympia Foods (Est. 18743) of Franklin Park, Illinois
  • Produced on January 6, 2026, as a raw ground beef product

Where Was It Sold in Texas?

The contaminated beef kofta was distributed to The Kebab Shop locations in California, Texas, and Florida. In Texas, The Kebab Shop operates restaurants in the Dallas area communities of McKinney and The Colony, roughly ten locations across the Houston metroplex, and six locations in the Austin area.

FSIS has advised consumers to discard any leftover beef kofta from The Kebab Shop. For updates, you can visit the official USDA FSIS public health alert.

How Many People in Texas Got Sick?

The 9 confirmed illnesses reported so far in this outbreak are all in California, with illness onset dates ranging from March 27, 2026, to April 30, 2026. No Texas cases have been confirmed to date, but the contaminated beef kofta was distributed to The Kebab Shop locations across Texas.

Legal Help for E. Coli Victims in Texas

The Kebab Shop is a fast-growing Mediterranean chain with a significant Texas footprint, serving customers across Houston, Dallas, Austin, and the surrounding suburbs.

When ground beef is contaminated with a dangerous pathogen like E. coli O157:H7, the consequences can be severe, especially for young children and older adults who face the highest risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Bloody diarrhea, hospitalization, and kidney failure can follow a single contaminated meal.

People who were sickened by this product may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A Texas food poisoning lawyer can help you understand your legal options.

Need a Texas E. Coli Lawsuit?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.

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Collen A. Clark

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

“Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

To contact Collen, please fill out the contact form below:

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