Raw milk from Florida dairy sickens 21; What is raw milk and why it makes people sick
Seven individuals were hospitalized, and at least two suffered severe complications. Health officials continue to investigate and warn that drinking raw, unpasteurized milk carries serious risks.
What happened in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Health, 21 people have become ill since January this year, after consuming raw milk from Keely Farms Dairy, located in New Smyrna Beach, approximately 40 miles northeast of Orlando.
Six children, who are included among the sickened, are under the age of 10; seven people required hospitalization, and at least two experienced serious complications such as kidney failure risks linked to Shiga toxin-producing E.
coli (STEC) and Campylobacter infections.
Florida law prohibits the sale of raw milk for human consumption. Instead, products are labeled and sold as pet or animal feed to skirt the restrictions, limiting sanitary regulation of these products.
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Health officials have raised concerns about sanitation practices at the dairy and are working with Keely Farms to ensure consistent safety measures are in place.
What is raw milk
Raw milk refers to milk that hasn't been pasteurized, meaning it hasn't been heated to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, and is therefore at a higher risk of containing harmful germs. While advocates sometimes claim benefits such as better taste, increased nutrients, or protection against allergies and asthma, these claims lack scientific support.
Rather, experts say pasteurization does not meaningfully reduce milk's nutritional value.
In contrast, the health risks are well-documented and substantial.
While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits the interstate sale of unpasteurized milk, individual states regulate its intrastate sale, with many allowing it under certain conditions and some even legalizing it for human consumption.
Why raw milk makes people sick?
Raw milk can host a range of dangerous pathogens, including E.
coli (especially Shiga toxin–producing strains), Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria, Brucella, and others. Infections commonly cause gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps, and can escalate to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. These germs can enter the milk through contaminated equipment, animal feces, or unsanitary handling at the farm.
Even farms with rigorous hygiene practices risk contamination, as testing may fail to catch low-level pathogens that multiply later.
Health agencies like the CDC note that raw milk-related illnesses lead to significantly higher hospitalization rates than other foodborne illnesses.
Past data reinforces the threat. Between 2007 and 2016, raw milk was linked to 144 outbreaks in the US alone, often involving severe illness.
Regulatory bodies, including the CDC and FDA, strongly advise against consuming raw milk, emphasizing that pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the hazards.
Side effects of raw milk:
Consuming raw milk carries significant health risks due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria and viruses, leading to illnesses like diarrhea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, even paralysis or kidney failure.
Common symptoms of foodborne illness from raw milk:
Gastrointestinal issues:
Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, and vomiting are common symptoms.
Flu-like symptoms:
Fever, headache, and body aches can also occur.
Dehydration:
Severe diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous, especially for young children and the elderly.
Severe health outcomes:
Guillain-Barré Syndrome:
In some cases, raw milk consumption can lead to this condition, which can cause paralysis.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS):
This syndrome can result in kidney failure, stroke, and even death.
Meningitis:
While less common, raw milk can also cause meningitis.
Long-term health problems:
Some individuals may develop chronic health conditions after consuming raw milk.
Specific germs found in raw milk:
Bacteria:
Raw milk can harbor various bacteria, including Campylobacter, Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli O157, and Brucella.
Viruses:
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) has been found in dairy cattle and milk, posing a potential risk.
Other pathogens:
Cryptosporidium and other pathogens can also be present in raw milk.
Who are at risk of contracting infection
Though anyone can fall ill, certain groups face greater danger: young children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. In this Florida outbreak, children under 10 were among those affected. Medical experts have repeatedly emphasized that pasteurized milk delivers the same nutrients without exposing people to serious threats.
What is pasteurization and why it matters
Pasteurization involves heating milk to a specific temperature for a set time to kill dangerous pathogens. This process has dramatically reduced milk-related disease outbreaks while preserving the milk's nutritional value and flavor.
In Florida, selling raw milk for human consumption is illegal. However, some producers circumvent this law by labeling their products for animal or livestock use. Keely Farms acknowledged that it labels its raw milk as livestock feed to comply with state law, while still promoting it for human use in private forums. Health officials are now working with the farm to improve sanitation practices and prevent further contamination.
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