San Diego County Links Salmonella Outbreak to Happy Hens Farm Eggs, 23 Sickened
San Diego County health officials have announced that genetic testing has linked a regional Salmonella outbreak, which has sickened 23 people and led to seven hospitalizations, to eggs from Happy Hens poultry farm in Ramona. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection at the farm on August 17, unrelated to the outbreak, and found Salmonella in two of seven hen houses tested. Genetic analysis confirmed these strains matched those found in ill San Diegans. The outbreak was initially reported on July 28, with cases identified in Del Mar, Jamul, La Mesa, Ramona, and Riverside County. Investigators suspect raw, unpasteurized eggs from Happy Hens Farm, used in mayonnaise at Ramona Family Naturals Market, contributed to several illnesses. The California Department of Public Health has shared the FDA's findings with Happy Hens and recommended a voluntary recall of their eggs, but as of Friday, the farm had not issued one. Test results for distributed eggs are still pending.