Fact: There are almost five times more kebab shops in Australia than McDonald’s outlets.

What is a kebab? The kebab is a traditional dish from the Middle East but has become a late-night staple in Australia. It is made up of thin slices of minced and seasoned meat, grilled on a vertical, rotating spit. The meat is wrapped in flat bread with salad/ vegetables and dips.

Are kebabs healthy? Kebabs can be a nutritious alternative to highly processed fast foods. Food Investigators’ nutritionist Hanan Saleh reckons the more vegetables or salad packed into a kebab, the healthier it is for you!

Why do kebabs have a poor reputation? Kebab vendors argue the reputation is an unfair one. In a 2008 survey, the NSW Food Authority found 94% of the kebabs it surveyed were of good quality – or safe to eat. The results showed a slight improvement in standards since the previous survey in 2004. Then 89% of the kebabs surveyed were considered acceptable.

How can kebabs make you sick? Kebabs have faced close scrutiny because their ingredients are capable of allowing the growth of dangerous bacteria. Kebab meat which is not cooked or stored properly can result in food poisoning.

Kebab Rehab - 4 Tips for Buying a Safe Kebab

1. See that the skewer is turned ON. Kebab meat should be cooked at very high temperatures (between 60-70 degrees Celsius).

2. Make sure kebab meat is freshly sliced with a thickness controlled electric knife. Do not accept meat which has been sitting in the drip tray or which has been stored on a plate.

3. Check the accompaniments (salad, vegetables, hommus, tabouli, cheese) are fresh and properly refrigerated. 

4. Ask for the kebab meat to be given a final cook step to eliminate bacteria.

Did you know the Arabic word “kabab” originally meant fried (instead of grilled) meat?