July 2026
A Salmonella outbreak linked to the deli at Ramona Family Naturals Market in Ramona, California, has sickened at least 13 people, with four individuals requiring hospitalization, according to San Diego County public health officials. Health investigators believe the illnesses are connected to food prepared and sold at the market’s deli, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Ron Simon & Associates, one of the nation’s leading food poisoning law firms, is actively investigating this outbreak and is accepting cases from individuals who became ill after eating food from the Ramona Family Naturals Market deli.
What We Know About the Outbreak
The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency has identified 13 confirmed and probable cases of Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) dating back to illnesses that began June 21, 2026. Those affected range in age from 27 to 60 years old, and four have been hospitalized due to the severity of their infections. Additionally, investigators have emphasized that this outbreak is not related to the recent multistate Salmonella outbreak associated with recalled shell eggs.
County investigators believe the illnesses originated from foods sold at the deli inside Ramona Family Naturals Market, who since the outbreak have been collaborating closely with the County’s Environmental Health and Quality and Public Health Services. According to officials, the investigation has increasingly focused on house-made mayonnaise prepared with raw, unpasteurized eggs, although laboratory testing and epidemiological work continue to determine the precise source of contamination.
As a precaution, the deli temporarily ceased operations while health officials conducted environmental testing and reviewed food handling practices. Public health authorities continue interviewing affected individuals and collecting food samples to determine exactly how the contamination occurred.
Understanding Salmonella
Salmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States. The bacteria can contaminate a wide variety of foods, including poultry, eggs, beef, fresh produce, dairy products, and foods prepared with raw or undercooked eggs.
Symptoms typically develop between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure and may include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Severe stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Chills
Most healthy adults recover within four to seven days. However, Salmonella infections can become serious or even life-threatening, particularly for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Severe infections may require hospitalization due to dehydration or because the bacteria spread beyond the intestinal tract.
Why Raw Eggs Present a Risk
As mentioned previously, one aspect of this investigation that has drawn significant attention is the possible use of raw, unpasteurized eggs in homemade mayonnaise served by the deli.
Raw eggs can occasionally contain Salmonella bacteria even when their shells appear clean and intact. When eggs are not pasteurized or fully cooked, the bacteria may survive and contaminate prepared foods such as mayonnaise, aioli, Caesar dressing, sauces, and other deli items.
Food establishments that prepare recipes containing raw eggs generally reduce this risk by using pasteurized egg products and following strict food safety procedures. Investigators are working to determine whether contaminated eggs or another ingredient contributed to the outbreak.
What Consumers Should Do
Anyone who recently purchased or consumed food from the deli at Ramona Family Naturals Market and develops symptoms consistent with Salmonella should seek medical attention, especially if symptoms become severe or persistent.
Consumers should contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience:
- Bloody diarrhea
- High fever
- Signs of dehydration
- Symptoms lasting more than several days
- Severe abdominal pain
If possible, individuals should preserve receipts, bank statements, or any remaining food packaging, as these materials may assist investigators and may become important evidence if legal action becomes necessary.
Legal Rights for Victims of Food Poisoning
Restaurants, grocery stores, food manufacturers, and other food providers have a legal responsibility to serve food that is safe for consumers. When contaminated food causes illness, victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term health complications
- Other damages resulting from the illness
Food poisoning cases often require extensive investigation, including reviewing laboratory reports, public health findings, medical records, and purchase histories to establish the source of contamination.
Ron Simon & Associates Is Investigating
Ron Simon & Associates has represented thousands of victims in food poisoning litigation nationwide and has recovered substantial compensation for individuals injured by contaminated food products.
The firm is currently accepting cases related to the Ramona Family Naturals Market Salmonella outbreak, and is also offering free consultations to anyone who became ill after consuming food from the deli.
Individuals who believe they may have been affected are encouraged to seek medical treatment promptly and to get tested for the bacteria. They are also asked to preserve any documentation related to their illness and food purchases.
As public health officials continue their investigation, additional illnesses may be identified. Anyone who ate food from the Ramona Family Naturals Market deli and later developed symptoms consistent with Salmonella infection should consider speaking with an experienced food safety attorney to understand their legal rights.
