58 people sickened at Kazan kebab cafe; salmonella found in food and chef

A food poisoning outbreak at "NAN Kebab No. 1" in Kazan, Russia has affected 58 people as of September 16, 2026, according to the regional consumer protection authority (Rospotrebnadzor). The cafe, located on Belomorskaya Street in the Aviastroitelny district, served contaminated food between September 9 and 11.

Laboratory analysis by Rospotrebnadzor identified multiple bacterial contaminants: E. coli bacteria in three surface samples and five food items (tomato, cucumber, carrot, napa cabbage, and cheese slices), and salmonella in garlic sauce, specialty shawarma sauce, and the chef (shawarma cook). Investigators also found products with expired shelf dates, inadequate sanitation, lack of product documentation, insufficient hot water, and poor dishwashing practices. The cafe has been sealed, and 20 product batches totaling 44 kilograms were removed from sale.

Of the 58 confirmed cases, 22 individuals tested positive for salmonella specifically. Initial reports from September 12–13 listed 33 cases; by September 15, 26 patients remained hospitalized at the Agafanov Republican Clinical Infectious Disease Hospital, all in mild to moderate condition. All patients reported high fever (some exceeding 40°C), diarrhea, and vomiting. By September 16, 16 additional cases were identified through active surveillance.

A criminal investigation was opened under Article 238, Part 1 of the Russian Criminal Code (provision of services not meeting safety requirements). Authorities have interviewed witnesses and ordered forensic examinations. According to online reviews and social media reports, customers had complained about poor taste and smell of food on September 13. The cafe was not operational at the time of reporting. This outbreak is the largest food poisoning incident in Kazan in the past five years.