Reading, Vt. — State health and agriculture authorities have ordered a recall of eggs produced by Leaping Bear Farm after testing found Salmonella in egg samples and in the farm environment, officials announced Friday. The recall applies to cartons bearing dates from June 1 through Sept. 5, 2026.
Scope of recall and distribution
Leaping Bear, a producer that supplies farmers markets, retailers and some restaurants in southeastern Vermont and parts of southwestern New Hampshire, has halted egg sales while state investigators work to determine when it is safe to resume distribution. Authorities said the farm is cooperating with public-health officials.
Vermont officials have linked 14 human illnesses to the strain detected, and related infections matching the strain have been identified in other states, according to the state announcement. The farm houses about 1,800 hens, which are considered part of the investigation.
How consumers should respond
Officials urged anyone who still has eggs dated within the recall window to dispose of them and not to compost them. The state also recommended thoroughly cleaning any refrigerator compartments, storage containers and kitchen surfaces that may have been in contact with the eggs, using hot, soapy water. Consumers who are unsure whether eggs they purchased are part of the recall should check packaging dates and contact the retailer.
- Recalled packaging dates: June 1 – Sept. 5, 2026
- Do not eat or compost recalled eggs; throw them away in household trash
- Sanitize surfaces and refrigeration areas with hot, soapy water
- If you become ill after eating eggs, seek medical care and tell your provider about potential Salmonella exposure
Health risks and symptoms
Salmonella is a bacterial pathogen that does not alter the taste, odor or appearance of contaminated food. Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure and can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever. While many healthy adults recover within several days without treatment, certain groups face greater risk of severe illness: infants and young children, older adults, pregnant people and individuals with weakened immune systems.
State health officials said that symptoms can resemble other gastrointestinal illnesses and that clinicians may need specific laboratory testing to confirm salmonellosis. People experiencing prolonged diarrhea, high fever, persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration should contact a medical provider.
Investigation and next steps
Vermont’s health and agriculture departments are conducting environmental sampling and trace-back work to limit further spread and identify potential sources of contamination at the farm. Leaping Bear has stopped distributing eggs pending the state’s determination that product is free of public-health risk.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Farm | Leaping Bear Farm (Reading) |
| Recalled dates | June 1–Sept. 5, 2026 |
| Reported human illnesses | 14 (Vermont) |
| Hens affected | About 1,800 |
Officials emphasized that Salmonella infection can occur without symptoms; asymptomatic carriers can still transmit the bacterium to others. Consumers who may have eaten recalled eggs and who develop illness are advised to inform their medical provider about possible exposure so appropriate tests can be ordered.
Local markets, restaurants and retailers that received eggs from Leaping Bear have been notified to remove remaining product and to refrain from selling eggs from the producer until clearance is given by the state. The recall notice cautions that contaminated eggs can be present in homes, spread by refrigeration or storage containers, and urges careful cleaning.
As state teams continue laboratory analysis and interviews to map cases, public-health officials say ongoing communication with affected vendors and consumers will be essential to halting additional illnesses. Consumers with questions about whether a purchase is part of the recall should contact their point of sale or the Vermont Department of Health for guidance.
This article will be updated as officials release additional information.
