Costa Mesa, California — A Southern California family has filed a lawsuit against a popular restaurant chain and its meat supplier after their 3-year-old daughter allegedly developed acute kidney failure following a meal linked to a growing E. coli outbreak investigation.
The lawsuit comes as health officials continue examining multiple illnesses connected to beef products sold at locations of The Kebab Shop throughout California.
Family Claims Child Became Seriously Ill After Restaurant Meal
According to court documents filed in Orange County Superior Court, Costa Mesa resident Jeffrey Gogue purchased a chicken plate and a beef kofta plate from The Kebab Shop on March 28.
The lawsuit alleges that family members shared portions of the meal with their daughter, identified only as “KG.”
The following day, the child reportedly began experiencing severe symptoms. According to the complaint, she suffered from “bloody diarrhea, nausea and vomiting” shortly after consuming the food.
Family members claim her condition rapidly deteriorated over the following days, eventually requiring emergency medical treatment.
Child Hospitalized for More Than Two Weeks
Court records state the girl was admitted to a hospital on April 3 and remained there for 17 days.
The lawsuit alleges she developed acute kidney failure, one of the most serious complications associated with certain strains of E. coli infection.
Young children are considered particularly vulnerable to severe complications from foodborne illnesses, especially when infections affect kidney function.
The family now claims they are facing significant medical expenses and ongoing concerns regarding the child’s long-term health.
E. Coli Outbreak Investigation Continues
The lawsuit is tied to a larger E. coli outbreak that federal and state health officials have been investigating.
According to the complaint, the California Department of Public Health had identified nine illnesses connected to the outbreak as of May 19, including six children.
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Health officials reportedly found that five people required hospitalization, while two victims developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
The lawsuit explains that hemolytic uremic syndrome can severely damage red blood cells and platelets and may ultimately lead to kidney failure.
Investigators traced the illnesses to grilled beef kofta sold at various Kebab Shop locations across both Northern and Southern California between March 27 and April 30.
Lawsuit Targets Restaurant and Supplier
The complaint names both The Kebab Shop and Olympia Foods, a supplier connected to the beef products involved in the investigation.
Attorneys representing the family accuse the companies of strict products liability, negligence and breach of implied warranties.
The lawsuit alleges that contaminated meat was distributed and sold despite being represented as safe for consumption.
Legal representatives for the family claim the child’s illness has resulted in significant emotional, physical and financial hardship.
Company Responds to Outbreak Investigation
In response to the investigation, The Kebab Shop announced it has ended its relationship with Olympia Foods.
The company also emphasized that health officials do not believe there is an ongoing threat to customers.
“Both the California Department of Public Health and USDA confirmed that there are no reported cases of E. coli outside California possibly linked to this E. coli outbreak, and that there is no ongoing risk to consumers because this product was voluntarily removed by TKS nationwide on May 18,’’ the company said in a statement.
Meanwhile, attorney Ron Simon estimated that the family could face “hundreds of thousands of dollars in hospital bills,” with costs potentially increasing if the child experiences further kidney-related complications.
The outbreak investigation and civil lawsuit remain ongoing.
What are your thoughts on this lawsuit and the reported E. coli outbreak? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
