A San Diego County egg producer is fiercely denying responsibility for a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 21 people and hospitalized seven since late July, calling health officials’ claims completely unfounded and unsupported by evidence.

Farm Operators Dispute Official Investigation

Happy Hens, a San Diego-based egg farm, found itself at the center of a public health investigation after county officials traced a salmonella outbreak to mayonnaise made with raw, unpasteurized eggs from the operation. The mayonnaise was sold at Ramona Family Naturals Market, a local delicatessen that has now stopped using raw eggs in all food products. Chloe Nevarez, who operates the farm with her husband Luie Nevarez, took to Instagram to challenge the county’s findings.

In her social media statement, Nevarez questioned the validity of the investigation, asserting that officials made their announcement without any testing or evidence. She urged customers to make decisions based on their own understanding rather than fear, suggesting the accusations reveal deeper problems within the food regulatory system. The farm operators maintain their innocence despite being publicly identified as the outbreak source by San Diego County’s Department of Environmental Health and Quality.

Health Department Expands Warning

County health officials have contacted retail food facilities that may have received eggs from Happy Hens as part of their containment efforts. The outbreak remains separate from a larger Midwest Poultry Services salmonella incident that triggered a national recall. Health authorities warn that anyone experiencing symptoms including diarrhea, fever, or abdominal cramps after consuming undercooked eggs should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms typically appear within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food and can persist for up to seven days.

Raw Egg Risks Under Scrutiny

The incident highlights ongoing debates about raw, unpasteurized eggs in food preparation. While some consumers prefer unpasteurized products, health officials consistently warn that raw eggs carry inherent salmonella risks, particularly when used in recipes like mayonnaise that receive no heat treatment. The Ramona Family Naturals Market’s decision to eliminate raw eggs from its food products reflects the potential liability businesses face when using such ingredients. Both the Nevarez family and the San Diego Department of Public Health have not yet provided additional comment on the investigation’s findings or the farm’s denials.