Salmonella Outbreak at Ramona Market Sickens 13, Four Hospitalized July 30

San Diego County is investigating a salmonella outbreak tied to Ramona Family Naturals Market in Ramona, California. Since June 21, health officials have identified 13 confirmed and probable cases of salmonella infection. Four people were hospitalized after symptoms worsened. Investigators traced the outbreak to mayonnaise made with raw, unpasteurized eggs used in deli items including chicken salads and the Ramona Red Sauce.

How the outbreak spread through the market’s deli

The market’s deli used raw, unpasteurized eggs to prepare mayonnaise served in ready-to-eat foods. Salmonella bacteria can survive in raw eggs even when they appear clean and unbroken. Once mixed into mayonnaise, the bacteria spread throughout the batch and reached multiple customers. The mayonnaise was used in chicken salads and in the Ramona Red Sauce, which is sold on sandwiches and by the bottle.

Who got sick and what they experienced

The 13 people who contracted salmonella ranged in age from 27 to 60 years old. Four were hospitalized after their symptoms worsened. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus, abdominal cramps, and fever. These symptoms typically appear 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and last four to seven days. Most cases resolve without medical treatment, though children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised people face higher risk of serious illness.

Market’s response and ongoing investigation

Ramona Family Naturals Market stopped using raw, unpasteurized eggs in all food products after health officials identified the outbreak. The market’s owner has been working with San Diego County’s Environmental Health and Quality and Public Health Services to trace the source of the contaminated eggs. Investigators are working to identify the egg supplier. The outbreak strain is separate from a concurrent salmonella outbreak linked to shell eggs in the Midwest.

What to do if you visited the market

Anyone who ate food from Ramona Family Naturals Market or its deli and develops symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately. People who purchased the raw-egg mayonnaise should throw it away. Those currently ill or recently recovered can report their illness to the County Department of Environmental Health Quality by calling 858-505-6814, completing an online form, or emailing [email protected].

Final Thoughts

The outbreak underscores the risk of using raw eggs in ready-to-eat foods. Consumers should avoid raw eggs and ensure restaurants use pasteurized alternatives. Anyone with symptoms after visiting the market should seek medical attention and report the case to county health officials.

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