E. coli outbreak linked to The Kebab Shop California locations, including San Diego
NBC 7 San Diego • • business
Key Points:
- California health officials are investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to seasoned ground beef kebabs served at multiple locations of The Kebab Shop restaurant chain in Southern and Northern California, with nine confirmed cases between March 27 and April 30.
- Among the infected, six were children, five were hospitalized, and two developed severe complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome; no deaths have been reported.
- The Kebab Shop voluntarily halted sales of grilled beef kofta nationwide on May 18, 2026, after being identified as the likely source, and is cooperating with health authorities during the ongoing investigation.
- The California Department of Public Health advises consumers who ate the beef kofta and develop symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps within 10 days to seek medical care and discard any leftover product.
- Health officials emphasize cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and maintaining proper sanitation to prevent further infections.