UPDATED: Salmonella Prompts Egg Recall From Hancock County Farm
Farm distributed eggs in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor and via FarmDrop
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND—One of the farms that distributes its products at farmers markets in Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor has voluntarily participated in a recall of its eggs, which have been linked to an outbreak of salmonellosis. Five people tested positive after falling ill after eating the infected eggs.
An official state recall for Orland-based Rainbow Farm’s eggs has been issued by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF).
According to a press release from the state, “the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has identified the consumption of these eggs as the source of the outbreak.”
Along with Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor, the eggs were distributed at Blue Hill Farmers’ Market, Stonington Farmers’ Market, and via FarmDrop.
Eggs are no longer being distributed. The farm will also undergo testing and sanitation. Some laying hens may be culled.
Salmonella, a bacteria, causes the infection and illness which typically causes diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and headaches. Those symptoms usually start 6 to 72 hours after exposure.
The DACF advises consumers of Rainbow Farm eggs that they have an elevated risk of getting salmonellosis. People who have eggs from the farm should dispose of them. Cooking eggs to 165 degrees, according to FarmDrop, also prevents infection.
According to Lorelei Cimeno, co-owner of the family farm with her husband Noah, the state veterinarian will be at the farm this Monday. The farm has culled half of its flock, which is a blow for the family both financially and emotionally.
In a statement to FarmDrop customers, the Cimenos wrote, “We sincerely apologize to our customers and we will work to prevent this from happening again. We are doing everything we can to ensure that no one else gets sick and we hope that you will buy eggs from us again in the future.”
A message from the CEO of FarmDrop, Hannah Semler stated, “There has not yet been testing done on the farm to prove the relationship between the five people who were sick. However, Rainbow Farm has taken all precautions, removing all eggs from the market, and sadly disposing of layer hens in the efforts to assume responsibility. Our sympathies to those who were sick, and our hearts go out to the farmers as they manage this news and repercussions on their farm. FarmDrop will work with Noah and Lorelei to recover from this, and we trust our customers will join us in supporting this incredible business in our community.”
UPDATE
The farm updated its customers on September 26, telling them that the farm is going to stop egg sales.
“As many of you probably already know, there was a recall on Rainbow Farm eggs. At least five people went to the hospital ill with food poisoning. The salmonella of the five patients was linked by genetic testing, and the common thread is likely Rainbow Farm eggs. Salmonella is a common bacteria that can sicken people who eat raw or undercooked eggs or meat,” Lorelei Cimeno wrote.
“Noah and I have been heartbroken about this situation. We know how serious salmonella can be,” she continued. “My mom was hospitalized with it as a child. Thus, we have made the decision to stop egg production on our farm. It’s not worth the emotional turmoil. Our family has shed many tears looking towards a winter without chickens. We will miss them, and we are scared about what that looks like financially for our farm. But we can’t take the risk of anyone getting sick again.
“We hope you will support us in our other ventures, and please cook your eggs.
“Thanks for supporting small, local farms.”
WHAT TO IF YOU HAVE POTENTIALLY EATEN SALMONELLA-CONTAMINATED PRODUCTS ACCORDING TO THE DACF
“Consult your health care provider: A doctor may request a stool sample to confirm the diagnosis.
“Avoid handling food: If you are a food handler, child care worker, or health care worker, do not report to work while sick with salmonellosis to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
“Treatment: Most individuals with salmonellosis recover without treatment; however, severe cases may require antibiotics.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Salmonellosis is a reportable disease. Cases should be reported to the Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821.
Visit the Maine CDC salmonella website
Visit the U.S. CDC salmonella website
Rainbow Farm, 4 Rainbow Farm Dr, Orland, ME 04472, (207) 610-3793.
This story was updated at 2:47 p.m., September 20, with statements from FarmDrop and Rainbow Farm. It was updated again on September 36 with another statement from Rainbow Farm.
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