In late April 2025, a salmonella outbreak emerged in Clairemont, San Diego, centered around Aladdin Mediterranean Café. Health officials confirmed that at least 98 confirmed or probable cases were linked to patrons who dined there between April 25 and May 1.
Victims ranged widely in age—from 1 year old to 90 years old, and at least nine individuals were hospitalized due to severe symptoms – though according to the lawyer for over 80 of the victims, this number is likely much higher!
Impact & Response
Closure and Reopening
The restaurant voluntarily closed its Clairemont location on May 1 to allow for an investigation and deep sanitation. Following an inspection by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality, the café was cleared to reopen on May 12.
Safety Measures
According to the owner, Hamdi Abukhalaf, the restaurant discarded approximately $70,000 worth of food and emphasized their cooperation with public health officials. He emphasized their long-standing “A” health grade was underscored—even during this crisis—though he did not discuss recent health code violations.
Legal Developments & Concerns
Several individuals affected by the outbreak have filed multiple lawsuits in San Diego Superior Court. The earliest filings included two plaintiffs alleging illness and seeking damages for medical costs, lost wages, and associated suffering. Attorney Ron Simon, a specialist in food safety litigation, is representing more than 80 individuals who became ill after visiting the café.
Simon also highlighted concerns regarding the restaurant’s prior food temperature violations—specifically, seven previous infractions for failing to properly maintain or regulate holding temperatures. This raises questions about systemic issues rather than an isolated incident.
What is Salmonella? Symptoms, Causes, and Risks
Salmonella is a bacterium commonly associated with foodborne illness. It typically originates from fecal contamination—from infected humans or animals—and can spread through improperly handled food, especially meats, eggs, and cross-contaminated produce.
Typical symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting, usually appearing within 6 to 72 hours of exposure. Most healthy individuals recover within a week, but the young, elderly, and immunocompromised face greater risk of severe illness and complications.
Community Reaction & Reflections
The incident sparked concern among San Diego residents. One local news story quoted a customer reflecting:
“If they had one, then they’re probably extra cautious and clean right now.”
On Reddit, local sentiment was mixed. Some users expressed disappointment and frustration:
“Hospital fees aren’t cheap… If you pay a business for a good or service, and as a direct result you end up in the hospital, the business should be held accountable.”
Others defended the restaurant:
“I’m one of the unlucky ones that suffered the consequences… but I’d be really sad if this puts them out of business. I’ll still go back! Their food is great.”
Discord around the owner’s controversial social media activity surfaced in comments as well, complicating public sentiment. Though these broader discussions veered beyond the outbreak’s scope, they added context to the restaurant’s community image.
Summary
- April 25 – May 1, 2025: Outbreak period.
- 98 confirmed or probable cases; ages 1–90; 9 hospitalizations.
- Café voluntarily closed May 1; reopened May 12 after inspections.
- $70,000 in food discarded; maintained “A” health grade – but concerns include previous food temperature violations.
- Multiple lawsuits filed; new legal filings and claims now involve over 80 individuals.
- symptoms ranged from diarrhea and fever to nausea; salmonella typically develops within hours to a few days after ingestion.
The Aladdin Mediterranean Café outbreak remains one of the largest salmonella incidents in the region in recent memory. It underscores the critical importance of food safety practices in restaurants and the potential fallout—both health-wise and reputationally—when lapses occur.
