A public health alert has been issued for beef products served at The Kebab Shop restaurants in three states due to potential E. coli contamination.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for beef kofta products served at The Kebab Shop in California, Florida and Texas. The products may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, according to a FSIS report. A recall was not issued because the products are no longer being sold.
The beef kofta was produced by Olympia Food Industries in Franklin Park, Illinois, in January and supplied to The Kebab Shop restaurants in California, Florida and Texas. All The Kebab Shop locations stopped selling beef kofta products on May 18, according to the FSIS report.
The potential contamination was discovered as part of an ongoing E. coli outbreak investigation in California. The California Department of Public Health and local health departments are investigating a localized outbreak of E. coli that includes nine sick people, according to the FSIS report.
Where Were the Beef Products Sold?
The beef kofta products were sold at The Kebab Shop restaurants in California, Florida and Texas.
What to Do if You Consumed Beef Kofta From The Kebab Shop
Immediately discard any leftover beef kofta from The Kebab Shop.
Consumers who ate beef kofta from any The Kebab Shop restaurant and start developing E. coli infection symptoms should contact their health care provider.
Consumers with food safety questions may call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or email [email protected].
When cooking, ensure meats reach a certain internal temperature to kill bacteria like E. coli. Hot dogs and burgers made of ground beef, pork, veal or lamb should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit. All cuts of pork should also reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Is E. Coli?
Escherichia coli, more commonly known as E. coli, is a group of bacteria that normally lives in the gut of healthy humans and animals. However, under certain conditions, some strains of E. coli can be potentially deadly, causing infections in the gut, urinary tract or other parts of the body.
What Are the Symptoms of an E. Coli Infection?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, common E. coli infection symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Low fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pains
- Fatigue
Symptoms may occur two to eight days after exposure.
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