San Diego, CA, August 17, 2026 —

A salmonella outbreak that emerged in San Diego County has expanded, now encompassing 21 confirmed cases and resulting in 7 hospitalizations. The outbreak was initially traced to raw eggs used in mayonnaise prepared at Ramona Family Naturals Market.

Public health officials have identified the source of the contamination as Happy Hens, a local egg supplier. The investigation into the outbreak’s origins has focused on the handling and preparation of eggs before they reach consumers or food service establishments.

In response to the growing number of cases, health authorities are re-emphasizing the importance of safe egg handling and thorough cooking practices. These guidelines are crucial for both food service facilities and individual consumers to prevent the spread of salmonella, a bacterium that can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The Department of Health Services is providing information on proper food safety measures, including advice on storing eggs correctly, avoiding cross-contamination, and ensuring eggs are cooked to an internal temperature that eliminates harmful bacteria. Facilities that handle raw eggs are particularly urged to review and reinforce their food safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.

Further details regarding the timeline of the outbreak’s progression and specific interventions being implemented by health officials were not immediately available.



Story summarized from the original created by City News Service on www.kpbs.org, see more information here.

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