Kuorttinen farm seeks damages after false salmonella verdict in Lappeenranta

A Lappeenranta organic poultry farm that received a false salmonella verdict earlier this summer has managed to continue its operations after an initial shock. The Kuorttinen farm is now seeking damages from the laboratory responsible for the mistake, with legal representation. “As generations pass, there grows an unwavering determination not to give up. This farm has survived wars and economic crises, and it will endure this as well. This is our battle,” says farmer Kaisa Rautakannel.

The ordeal began last May when a routine sample taken from the farm tested positive for salmonella. Over 4,300 chickens were culled before it was discovered that the bacteria originated from the laboratory, not the farm. The compensation claim approaches one million euros, covering lost income, the costs of euthanized birds, unnecessary working hours, and damage to reputation. “The largest portion of the claim comes from lost income. The hens we lost would have laid eggs for another year and a half,” explains Janne Rautakannel, who serves as the farm’s secretary.

Following the revelation of the laboratory’s error, it offered a mere 300 euros in compensation but has since ceased direct communication with the farm. The farm’s situation worsened as half of its laying hens were slaughtered, impacting finances severely. “Sales dropped significantly, and several retailers and restaurants in Helsinki are still waiting for our eggs,” Janne notes, expressing hope that competitors won’t fill the market void before new hens begin to lay in October.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry conducted its investigation and concluded that the state is not liable, as this incident concerns a dispute between an agricultural producer and a laboratory. The ministry has suggested an examination of protocols for testing comparative samples at the laboratory, which had processed both the farm’s sample and a control sample on the same day.