The outbreak, initially tied to meals served on April 25 and 26, now includes diners who ate at the restaurant between April 25 and May 1, according to an updated statement from the County of San Diego's Department of Environmental Health and Quality. The victims range in age from one to 90 years old, underscoring the broad impact of the outbreak.
The Clairemont restaurant, located at 5420 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, voluntarily closed when notified of the health investigation, allowing county officials to conduct testing and employee interviews. The exact source of the salmonella contamination has not been identified, but county officials say the restaurant will not be allowed to reopen until the investigation is complete and there is no ongoing risk to the public.
This outbreak has already resulted in legal action. On Tuesday, a lawsuit was filed in San Diego Superior Court by two individuals who claim they contracted salmonella after dining at Aladdin on April 26. One of the plaintiffs required hospitalization. Represented by food safety attorney Ron Simon of Ron Simon & Associates, the plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Simon said his firm has been contacted by others and expects additional lawsuits to follow.
"This is about accountability," Simon said. "No one expects to end up in the hospital from a night out at a local restaurant."
Previously reported health violations at the Clairemont location included issues related to handwashing, food temperature control, and vermin. The location had been ordered to temporarily close by the county health department on March 6 for multiple code violations but had since reopened before this outbreak.
Symptoms of salmonella infection typically appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure and include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), and abdominal cramps. Illness can last four to seven days, and while most people recover without treatment, young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
County officials are urging anyone who ate at Aladdin Mediterranean Café between April 25 and May 1 and is experiencing symptoms to seek medical care and report their illness to the County Epidemiology Program. As of April 28, San Diego County had logged 184 salmonella cases in 2025. In 2024, the county recorded 753 cases, with similarly high totals in prior years.
The investigation and legal action remain focused solely on the Clairemont Aladdin location. A second restaurant by the same name located in Hillcrest on Vermont Street operates under separate ownership and is not implicated in the outbreak.
Previously reported health violations at the Clairemont location included issues related to handwashing, food temperature control, and vermin. The location had been ordered to temporarily close by the county health department on March 6 for multiple code violations but had since reopened before this outbreak.
Symptoms of salmonella infection typically appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure and include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), and abdominal cramps. Illness can last four to seven days, and while most people recover without treatment, young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
County officials are urging anyone who ate at Aladdin Mediterranean Café between April 25 and May 1 and is experiencing symptoms to seek medical care and report their illness to the County Epidemiology Program. As of April 28, San Diego County had logged 184 salmonella cases in 2025. In 2024, the county recorded 753 cases, with similarly high totals in prior years.
The investigation and legal action remain focused solely on the Clairemont Aladdin location. A second restaurant by the same name located in Hillcrest on Vermont Street operates under separate ownership and is not implicated in the outbreak.
Originally published on May 6, 2025. Updated May 8, 2025.
