Salmonella Outbreak Linked to San Diego’s Aladdin Mediterranean Café Sparks Public Health Investigation
San Diego County health officials are actively investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to a popular local restaurant, Aladdin Mediterranean Café, located in the Clairemont area. As of May 4, 2025, at least 14 individuals have been confirmed or are considered probable cases of salmonellosis after eating at the restaurant between April 25 and April 26. Five of those infected have required hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms.
The County of San Diego’s Environmental Health and Quality Department, working in collaboration with Public Health Services, launched an immediate investigation into the outbreak. Aladdin voluntarily closed its doors to aid in the process, allowing officials to inspect the premises, conduct food sampling, and interview staff. The restaurant will remain closed until health authorities confirm that there is no continued risk to the public.
Salmonella is a dangerous foodborne pathogen that causes gastrointestinal illness. Common symptoms of salmonella include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, and fever. These symptoms usually develop 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and can persist for up to a week. While most people recover without treatment, vulnerable populations—such as children, elderly adults, pregnant individuals, and the immunocompromised—are at significantly higher risk of complications, including bloodstream infections or long-term gastrointestinal problems.
San Diego County has reported 184 cases of salmonellosis so far in 2025. In comparison, there were 753 reported cases in 2024, 685 in 2023, and 683 in 2022, according to county records. This outbreak has raised concern among public health advocates and legal professionals alike.
Note: According to Salmonella lawyer Tony Coveny: “While these illnesses usually resolve, in some cases the long-term health consequences can last a lifetime. Outbreaks of salmonella often lead to significant lawsuits due to their severity.”
As noted by Dr. Coveny. in many instances, the long-term complications of salmonella can include reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and chronic fatigue. Because salmonella cases often stem from unsafe food handling practices or cross-contamination in commercial kitchens, they can expose restaurants and food distributors to serious legal liability.
Health officials are urging anyone who dined at Aladdin Mediterranean Café during the suspected exposure window to monitor their symptoms and seek medical care if necessary. Early diagnosis and supportive treatment can help reduce the severity of illness. Moreover, stool sample testing helps the county confirm and track the spread of the outbreak.
Although the specific source of contamination has yet to be identified, the proactive closure of the restaurant will aid in containment and in preventing further exposure. The county’s swift response reflects the seriousness with which foodborne outbreaks are handled—especially those that impact a large number of people in a short period of time.
This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of food safety practices in restaurants and the need for rapid public health response in suspected outbreaks. Those affected are encouraged to report their illness to the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health, which maintains a dedicated hotline for suspected foodborne illnesses.
