Florida Alerts Residents About Raw Milk After 21 Illnesses Reported

Health officials in Florida have issued a warning to the public regarding the consumption of raw milk following an outbreak linked to a local farm. A total of 21 individuals have fallen ill after consuming unpasteurized milk from this farm, which remains unnamed for privacy reasons. Among those affected, six are children under the age of 10, highlighting the potential danger raw milk poses especially to vulnerable populations. Seven of the sick individuals required hospitalization, with two experiencing severe complications.

The Florida Department of Health expressed concerns over the farm’s sanitation practices, which they believe contributed to the outbreak. The raw milk was sold in Northeast and Central Florida, despite existing laws that prohibit the sale of raw milk for human consumption in the state. Instead, raw milk can only be sold labeled as pet food, and its sale for drinking remains illegal.

Raw milk is milk that has not undergone pasteurization—a heating process that kills harmful bacteria such as E. coli, campylobacter, listeria, and salmonella. These pathogens can cause a range of illnesses, from gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps to more serious health issues including kidney failure.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raw milk has been linked to over 140 outbreaks since 1987, some resulting in miscarriages, stillbirths, and fatalities. Federal law mandates pasteurization for milk sold across state lines, but many states restrict or ban raw milk sales altogether.

Advocates of raw milk claim that it contains beneficial “bioactives” that may support immune function, citing sales in states like California where it is legal. However, critics and health agencies warn that the potential health risks outweigh these claimed benefits, emphasizing that pasteurization effectively prevents milk-borne diseases.

Florida officials stress that while some people consume raw milk safely, it can contain dangerous pathogens depending on handling and source. Proper mitigation procedures by producers are essential in reducing contamination risks. Consumers are advised to be aware of these dangers and make informed choices.

For more information on the risks associated with raw milk, visit the CDC’s page on raw milk safety. The incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to food safety regulations to prevent future outbreaks.