By Jane Weaver

Minnesota health officials are investigating six cases of salmonella poisoning linked to organic eggs.

The Department of Agriculture said the contaminated eggs were traced to the Larry Schultz Organic Farm of Owatonna, where testing confirmed the presence of salmonella bacteria. The farm has issued a voluntary recall of the eggs and is cooperating with the Minnesota agriculture probe.

At least six people, both children and adults, became ill between Aug. 12 and Sept. 24, after consuming the organic eggs purchased at grocery stores. Three were hospitalized but have recovered.

 The eggs were packaged under the brand names Lunds & Byerly’s Organic, Kowalski’s Organic and Larry Schultz Organic Farms. They were sold in 6-egg cartons, dozen egg cartons and 18-egg cartons. Affected eggs carried the EXP Nov 12 label. Cartons bearing plant number 0630 or a "Sell by" date are not included in the recall.

The organic eggs were distributed to restaurants, grocery stores, food wholesalers and food service companies in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

To avoid getting sick, consumers should thoroughly cook all eggs before eating. Consumers who believe they have purchased the recalled eggs are advised not to eat them, but return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, go to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website.