Leaping Bear Farm is recalling eggs after Vermont health and agriculture officials detected Salmonella in eggs and environmental samples from the farm.
The recall covers cartons dated between June 1 and Sept. 5. The eggs were sold at local farmers markets and other retailers.
Vermont health officials have linked 14 illnesses to the strain, and related cases have been identified in other states. About 1,800 hens are affected.
Anyone with recalled eggs should not eat or compost them. The eggs should be thrown away in the trash. Consumers should also wash refrigerators, containers and other surfaces that may have touched the eggs with hot, soapy water.
The farm has stopped selling and distributing eggs until the state determines they no longer pose a public health threat.
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.
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled eggs 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.
