Latest news with #STEC
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Raw milk from Florida dairy sickens 21; What is raw milk and why it makes people sick
A Florida dairy, Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach, has been identified as the source of raw milk that sickened 21 people, including six children under 10, with E. coli or Campylobacter infections. 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Philippines: Affordable Refrigerators for Sale - Check Out the Prices! Refrigerators | Search Ads Search Now Undo 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. Priyanka Chopra redefines royalty at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
9 News
5 days ago
- Health
- 9 News
Nearly two dozen people in US sick after drinking raw milk from the same farm
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Nearly two dozen people have developed food poisoning in Florida after consuming tainted raw milk from the same farm, according to the state's Department of Health. Florida officials didn't initially name the milk producer about the outbreak, but later issued a news release linking the infections to Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach. The health department also clarified that the first infections were reported in January 2025. Twenty-one patients in Florida have become ill — some with E. coli — after consuming raw milk, according to a warning from the Florida Department of Health. (CNN) They said they were warning about the "continued recent cases" because "sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern." The health department's notice did not initially say if the raw milk involved was from cows, goats or sheep. Keely Farms' website says they raise Jersey cows. "Our raw milk is milked and then processed in a clean environment with American made, stainless steel, grade A quality equipment," the website says. "We test EVERY batch of milk in our tank before bottling with state of the art equipment that gives us instant analysis." the website said. In a statement on the outbreak, Keely Farms said it had not been contacted by the department of health and weren't aware they were part of an investigation, "so its press release has blindsided us." People have developed Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, infections. So far, seven of the 21 patients have been hospitalised. Six cases were among children under the age of 10. In its update, the Department of Health said at least two patients had severe complications from their infections. "It's not unusual in these raw milk cases to have a disproportionately large number of kids sick, because kids, frankly, drink more milk than adults do," said Bill Marler, an attorney who specialises in representing victims of food poisoning. "It's generally kids that get hit the worst." Raw milk has not been heated to kill harmful bacteria. Like many states, Florida allows farms to sell raw milk as long as it is labelled as pet or animal food. The Florida Department of Health says this labelling limits regulation of sanitary practices on the farms that produce it. Authorities warn drinking raw milk is dangerous. (Matt Rourke via AP) According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1998 to 2018, there were 202 foodborne illness outbreaks linked to raw milk. These outbreaks sickened nearly 2700 people and hospitalised more than 220. Official reports of foodborne illness undercount the true burden because many people don't recognise that food made them sick and may not seek out medical attention or get tested to confirm their infection. The bacteria that cause STEC infections are dangerous because they produce shiga toxin, which blocks protein creation in cells, causing cells to self-destruct. This sets off a potent immune response that's hard to stop. This response "triggers a cascade of inflammation targeting the lining of our blood vessels," said Dr Norman Beatty, an infectious disease expert at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital. That can lead to tiny blood clots forming in the blood vessels, which can then travel to and damage the kidneys. This is a condition known as haemolytic uraemic syndrome, or HUS. It's most common in children under age 5, but it can happen at any age. The condition can be life threatening. Children with HUS are typically hospitalised for supportive care, including dialysis, to take over for their kidneys. Symptoms of STEC often, but don't always, include diarrhoea, which may be bloody. Patients may also experience stomach cramps and vomiting. Fever is uncommon. These symptoms typically appear 3 to 4 days after having eaten or come into contact with tainted food. Campylobacteriosis causes diarrhoea, which can be bloody. It may also be accompanied by abdominal pain and fever. It starts two to five days after exposure to the bacteria. Rarely, people can developed prolonged complications from food poisoning, including arthritis and Guillain-Barre syndrome where the body's immune system attacks its own nerves causing muscle weakness and paralysis. In a statement to CNN, the Florida Department of Health said it doesn't comment on active or ongoing epidemiological investigations and did not explain why it had not named the farm. French scientist Louis Pasteur discovered that heat would kill many dangerous pathogens. (Supplied) The state's bulletin on the cases didn't explicitly warn people not to drink raw milk. Instead, it said it was providing information on the outbreak to help residents make informed decisions about their health. "Residents and visitors should be aware that there are known risks association with human consumption of raw milk," said Press Secretary Isabel Kilman, in an emailed statement. US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he is a fan of raw milk. In May, he recorded an interview with a wellness influencer, which ended with the two doing shooters of raw milk in the White House. The CDC says pasteurised milk offers the same nutritional benefit without the risks of raw milk. The agency encourages consumers to choose pasteurised milk and dairy products. 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Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Santech Announces Receipt of Notification from Nasdaq
HONG KONG, CENTRALS, HONG KONG, August 7, 2025 / / -- On August 7, 2025 Hong Kong Time, Santech Holdings Ltd. ('Santech' or the 'Company') (NASDAQ: STEC) announced receipt of a notification letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. (the 'Nasdaq') indicating that the registrant is not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rules, as the closing bid price of the registrant's American depositary shares ('ADSs') has been below US$1.00 per ADS for a period of 30 consecutive trading days. The Notice has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company's ADSs on Nasdaq. Pursuant to Rule 5810(c)(3)(A) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the Company has a compliance period of 180 calendar days, or until January 27, 2026 (the 'Compliance Period'), to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. If at any time during the Compliance Period, the closing bid price per ADS is at least US$1.00 for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days, Nasdaq will provide the Company a written confirmation of compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, and the matter will be closed. In the event the Company does not regain compliance by January 27, 2026, subject to the determination by the staff of Nasdaq, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180-day compliance period if it meets the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards, with the exception of the minimum bid price requirement. In this case, the Company will need to provide a written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period, including by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. The Notice does not affect the Company's business operations, its U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements or contractual obligations, and the Company will take all reasonable measures to regain compliance within the prescribed Compliance Period. About Santech Holdings Limited Santech Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: STEC) is a technology-focused company. The Company historically served a large number of high net-worth clients in China and Hong Kong in wealth management, asset management and health management, and accumulated a large customer base. The Company has since exited or disposed of its historical businesses in financial services, and is actively exploring innovative new opportunities in technology verticals, including and not limited to consumer technologies and enterprise technologies. For more information, please visit Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute 'forward-looking' statements pursuant to the 'safe harbor' provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'forecast,' 'plan,' 'project,' 'potential,' 'continue,' 'ongoing,' 'expect,' 'aim,' 'believe,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'should,' 'will,' 'is/are likely to,' 'could' and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Investor Contact: Santech Holdings Limited Santech Holdings Limited [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
The Hill
6 days ago
- Health
- The Hill
Raw milk tied to over 21 illness cases, 7 hospitalizations in Florida
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Over 20 people fell ill from consuming raw milk sold in the Sunshine State, according to a bulletin from the Florida Department of Health (FDH). The FDH bulletin, which provided an update on raw milk availability in northeast and Central Florida, said there have been 21 cases of people falling ill from campylobacter and shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The illnesses have linked to the consumption of raw milk from 'a particular' farm, but the bulletin did not name the farm. Six of these cases include children under the age of 10. Health officials said out of the 21 cases, seven have resulted in hospitalizations, and at least two have suffered 'severe complications.' 'STEC bacteria in its most severe form can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which is characterized by hemolysis and kidney failure, which is of particular concern for children,' the bulletin stated. 'Groups at higher risk for severe illness include infants and young children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.' What is raw milk? Why is it dangerous? Raw milk is milk from sheep, cows, goat, or any animal that has not been pasteurized. Pasteurization is the process of mildly heating milk or other packaged food products to help eliminate harmful bacteria. Because raw milk does not go through this process, it can contain dangerous bacteria that can cause diseases like listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Q fever, and brucellosis — according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warns that consuming raw milk can also expose people to germs such as campylobacter, cryptosporidium, E. coli, listeria, brucella and salmonella. Children under the age of 5, people over 65, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially at risk of serious illness. While some raw milk advocates claim it is healthier and safer, this is not supported by science, as pasteurization does not reduce milk's nutritional value. Common myths include that raw milk eliminates pathogens on its own, which is false, and that pasteurized milk causes lactose intolerance. In the context of that second myth, the ability to digest lactose is actually a mutation that is only present in 35 percent of the human population, mostly those of European descent. In reality, most humans lose the ability to digest milk as they grow, which was the default human condition until the mutation appeared between 2,000 and 20,000 years ago. Those with milk allergies will suffer symptoms whether they drink raw or pasteurized milk due to the proteins inside the product. According to the FDH, raw milk can only be sold in the state of Florida for pet or animal consumption, and raw milk products must be labeled 'for animal consumption only.' Laws vary by state, with some local governments outright prohibiting the sale of raw milk, while others, like California, Idaho, Washington and Arizona allow it under specific conditions. Health experts have stated that raw milk marketed for pets and animals 'IS NOT safe for people to drink.'
Agriland
6 days ago
- Health
- Agriland
Investigation underway after illnesses linked to farm in Florida
The Florida Department of Health has confirmed that it is continuing to thoroughly investigate reported occurrences of E. coli, campylobacter, and other disease-causing bacteria "linked to a particular farm". There have been 21 cases of campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) including seven hospitalisations. The department has reiterated that raw milk can only be sold for non-human consumption in Florida, and that there are known risks associated with human consumption of raw milk. Raw milk is milk from cows, sheep, goats, or other animals that has not been pasteurised, a heat-treating process that destroys potentially harmful bacteria. According to the Department of Health in Florida, consumers have reported benefits of raw milk consumption, including better taste and protective effects for asthma and allergies. In Florida, raw milk can only be sold for non-human consumption as pet or animal food, which limits regulation efforts of sanitary practices. Containers must have a label clearly stating that the raw milk is for animal consumption only. Floridians have been advised to be aware of potential risks associated with consumption, which may vary depending on the source of milk. The producer's handling of raw milk and milking procedures are vital in prevention of contamination, according to the department. Many people consume raw milk safely. However, raw milk can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as campylobacter, E. coli, listeria, salmonella, and others. These bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Due to continued recent cases of campylobacter and STEC infections linked to a particular farm, the Department of Health in Florida has been providing information to help people in the state make informed decisions about their health. Sanitation practices on the farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases, the department told Agriland. There have been 21 cases, including six children under the age of 10, and seven hospitalisations linked to consumption of raw milk from the same farm. Severe complications have been reported for at least two cases. STEC bacteria in its most severe form can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is characterised by hemolysis and kidney failure, and of particular concern for children. Groups at higher risk for severe illness include infants and young children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
