
At least seven people in six states have become ill due to a salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry, while a separate cluster tied to Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe in Claremont, San Diego, has now caused 37 diners to become sick.
Backyard Poultry-Associated Salmonella Outbreak
Between February 9 and March 24, 2025, seven total people were infected with the same strain of Salmonella mbandaka, two individuals from Missouri, and one each from Florida, Illinois, South Dakota, Utah, and Wisconsin. This strain has surfaced in past hatchery-linked outbreaks. Because chickens and other backyard poultry can carry salmonella bacteria without showing signs of illness, investigators warn that handling seemingly healthy birds still poses a risk. The CDC and state health departments continue to gather epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory data to pinpoint the outbreak’s source.
Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe Salmonella Cluster
From April 25 to May 1, 2025, thirty-seven probable and confirmed cases of salmonellosis have been reported among patrons of Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe. Affected individuals range in age from 1 to 90 years old, and nine required hospitalization. The cafe voluntarily closed on May 1 and will remain closed until the County of San Diego deems it safe to reopen. The exact source of contamination remains under investigation.
Symptoms You May Experience If You Contract Salmonella
Symptoms of salmonellosis typically start 12 to 72 hours after exposure and can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus
Illness generally lasts four to seven days, with most people recovering without medical treatment. Anyone who dined at Aladdin Mediterranean Cafe during the exposure window and developed these symptoms should promptly seek medical attention.
Legal Options for Those Who Contract Salmonella
Salmonella outbreaks pose serious dangers to the public. Those who have contracted Salmonella deserve to know their rights and hold the responsible parties accountable for their preventable illness and any lasting harm they may experience.
Victims of either the poultry-linked or restaurant-associated outbreaks may consider:
- Personal injury claims: Individuals who suffered severe salmonellosis may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and related damages.
- Product liability actions: In the poultry outbreak, hatcheries, suppliers, or retailers that sold diseased or improperly labeled birds could face claims for distributing a contaminated product.
- Premises liability claims: For the cafe cluster, if investigators find that the restaurant failed to uphold adequate food safety standards, such as temperature controls or cross-contamination prevention, patrons may have grounds to sue for negligence in maintaining safe premises.
If you or a loved one has fallen ill due to a salmonella outbreak, Singleton Schreiber can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today by calling (619) 771-3473 or emailing us at info@singletonschreiber.com to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.
- Partner
Brett Schreiber leads our Personal Injury and Wrongful Death practice group, representing individuals and families who have been harmed by the wrongful conduct of others. He has successfully litigated complex cases involving ...