Officials in Maine have issued a recall for eggs from Rainbow Farm due to an outbreak of Salmonella infections.
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.
Laboratory tests have shown that at least five people have been infected. They all ate eggs from Rainbow Farm.
The Agriculture Department’s Quality Assurance and Regulation Division is working with the Animal Health Program to help Rainbow Farm address this issue.
“Production and distribution of the eggs has been halted while the farm undergoes necessary testing, disinfection of the farm, cleaning of processing equipment and possible culling of affected laying hens,” a statement from the agriculture department said.
“Consumers are advised to exercise caution as anyone who has consumed eggs from Rainbow Farm is at increased risk of contracting salmonellosis. Consumers who still have eggs from this farm are advised to discard the eggs or they may choose to return to the location where they were purchased for a refund.”
The eggs from Rainbow Farm were distributed at the farm itself, but also at the following locations:
- Bar Harbor (Eden) farmers market
- Blue Hill Farmers Market
- Farmers market in the northeastern harbor
- Stonington Farmers Market
- FarmDrop
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria usually does not look, smell or taste spoiled. Anyone can become ill from a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for serious illness because their immune systems are vulnerable, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has eaten Rainbow Farms eggs and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctor about possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria, because special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis. Symptoms of Salmonella infection can mimic other diseases, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. However, in some cases, the diarrhea can 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 serious illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people become infected without becoming ill or showing symptoms. However, they can still spread the infections to others.
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