County officials announced Tuesday they are investigating a market in Ramona after 13 salmonella cases were linked to mayonnaise sold at the store, with cases reported since June 21.
The investigators believe the outbreak is connected to mayonnaise made with raw, unpasteurized eggs sold at Ramona Family Naturals Market at 325 6th Street in Ramona, California.
The victims range from 27 to 60 years old, and four people have been hospitalized.
The market responded to the investigation announcement with a statement addressing the concern.
“Ramona Family Naturals has been working closely with the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality since being notified of a potential Salmonella concern involving our mayonnaise made with raw eggs. For that reason, we voluntarily removed all products from our deli containing raw eggs. The investigation into the local eggs supplied for use in our deli is being conducted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and is ongoing.”
The market also stressed its sanitation practices.
“We have not been informed of any concerns related to our food handling, sanitation, or preparation practices.”
Additionally, the market emphasized its commitment to customer safety.
“The health and safety of our customers is our highest priority. We maintain rigorous food safety and sanitation standards, and we are committed to providing safe, high-quality food to our community every day.”
The market’s owner has since stopped using raw, unpasteurized eggs in all of the store’s food products.
County health officials explained what salmonella is.
Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea that might have blood or mucous, abdominal cramps and fever, with symptoms typically beginning 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and lasting four to seven days.
Most people recover without treatment.
Health authorities identified those most at risk from the infection.
Those at higher risk for complications include children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and those who are immunocompromised.
Raw eggs carry risk of salmonella, but this strain is not related to the salmonella outbreak linked to shell eggs in the Midwest.
In the viral moment that prompted the county’s formal announcement, health officials began warning the public about the connection after detecting a cluster of illnesses linked to deli products.
San Diego County reported 13 confirmed cases of salmonella linked to the market since June 21.
Investigators traced the contamination to the homemade mayonnaise used in deli preparations at the market.
The mayonnaise was made with raw, unpasteurized eggs that carried the pathogen.
County officials provided guidance for anyone who may have been exposed.
The county asks that anyone who purchased food at Ramona Family Naturals Market or its deli and has symptoms of salmonella or had symptoms and recovered should contact the County Department of Environmental Health Quality by calling (858) 505-6814, emailing [email protected] or completing an online form.