The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert concerning beef kofta products served at The Kebab Shop restaurants, including locations in North Texas. This alert is due to potential contamination with E. coli, a bacterium that can cause serious health issues.

The Kebab Shop, which has establishments in McKinney and The Colony, as well as ten locations in the Houston area and six in the Austin area, has proactively stopped selling beef kofta at all its restaurants as of May 18, 2026. This decision was made following an ongoing investigation into an illness outbreak linked to the product.

The FSIS is collaborating with the California Department of Public Health to investigate the outbreak. As of May 24, nine individuals in California have reported illnesses potentially connected to the contaminated beef kofta. Further testing is being conducted to confirm whether the product samples match the specific strain of the outbreak.

Health Risks and Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea, which may be bloody or watery, severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and a low-grade fever. In some cases, the infection can lead to dehydration, characterized by symptoms such as reduced urination, dark urine, increased thirst, dizziness, dry mouth, and crying without tears.

The CDC also warns that Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe condition that may result in kidney failure, long-term health complications, or even death.

Residents in Texas who have consumed beef kofta from The Kebab Shop are advised to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. The FSIS continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.