Eggs recalled in Maine because of Salmonella outbreak

Officials in Maine have issued a recall for eggs from Rainbow Farm because of an outbreak of infections from Salmonella.

The recall by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry comes as the state’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention has identified the eggs as the source of the outbreak. 

At least five people have been confirmed by laboratory testing as being infected. They all ate eggs from Rainbow Farm.

The agriculture department’s Division of Quality Assurance and Regulations is working with the Animal Health Program to help Rainbow Farm address the issue.  

“Production and distribution of the eggs has been halted while the farm undergoes necessary testing, farm sanitization, processing equipment cleaning, and potential culling of affected laying hens,” according to a statement from the agriculture department.

“Consumers are advised to be cautious, as anyone who has consumed eggs from Rainbow Farm may be at elevated risk of contracting salmonellosis. Consumers who still have eggs from this farm are advised to dispose of the eggs or they may choose to return to the location where they were purchased for a refund.”

Rainbow Farm eggs were distributed by the farm itself, as well as at the following locations:

• Bar Harbor (Eden) Farmers Market
• Blue Hill Farmers Market
• Northeast Harbor Farmers Market
• Stonington Farmers Market
• FarmDrop

About Salmonella infections

Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any eggs from Rainbow Farms and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/09/eggs-recalled-in-maine-because-of-salmonella-outbreak/