San Diego County public health officials are tracking a Salmonella outbreak that appears to lead back to Ramona Family Naturals Market, with 13 confirmed and probable cases reported since June 21. The people who got sick range in age from 27 to 60, and four have been hospitalized. Investigators say their leading suspect is mayonnaise made with raw, unpasteurized eggs.
County details and timeline
In a post on X, the County of San Diego reported that it has logged 13 confirmed and probable Salmonella cases since June 21 and is investigating the cluster. County investigators say the cases appear to be linked to mayonnaise made with raw, unpasteurized eggs. The patients are between 27 and 60 years old, and four have required hospitalization.
The County is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella linked to Ramona Family Naturals Market. The County has recorded 13 confirmed and probable cases since June 21, 2026. Those who became ill range in age from 27 to 60, and four people were hospitalized. Investigators believe…
— SanDiegoCounty (@SanDiegoCounty) July 28, 2026
Why raw egg mayonnaise can spread Salmonella
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a July 2026 public health advisory about Salmonella and eggs, noting that raw shell eggs and foods made from them can transmit the infection. According to the agency, egg-based sauces and dressings can allow Salmonella to survive depending on acidity and storage conditions, which helps explain why investigators zeroed in on the deli's mayonnaise.
Symptoms and testing
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours, and the illness usually lasts four to seven days, according to the CDC. Anyone who ate at the market and develops severe symptoms, bloody diarrhea, high fever or signs of dehydration is advised to seek medical care. Clinicians can order stool testing to confirm the infection and then report those cases to public health officials.
About Ramona Family Naturals
Ramona Family Naturals is described on its website as a family-owned natural foods market and deli. The site highlights offerings such as organic raw milk and local pastured eggs. The contact page lists the business at 325 6th Street in downtown Ramona and advertises a deli that makes sandwiches and salads, which investigators say could be the vehicle for infection if mayonnaise was prepared on site.
Inspections and next steps
The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health is responsible for inspecting retail food facilities and can issue closure orders, official notices of violation or require product testing during outbreak investigations. County inspection guidance notes that inspectors review food handling records, interview staff and may collect samples as part of traceback and control measures.
Rules on raw eggs in prepared foods
The California Legislative Information site outlines the state's retail food code, which requires that pasteurized eggs or pasteurized egg products be substituted for raw shell eggs in preparations such as Caesar dressing, hollandaise and mayonnaise unless specific exceptions apply. That statutory framework gives local regulators a basis to require safer sourcing and handling when unpasteurized eggs are implicated in an outbreak.
Where to get updates
County officials say they will provide further information as the investigation continues. Anyone who develops symptoms after eating at the market is urged to contact their health care provider or the county epidemiology unit. For official updates and health alerts, visit the San Diego County Health & Human Services alerts page.
