Raw milk supplied by a Florida farm was linked to the illness of 21 individuals
In the sunshine state of Florida, a raw milk outbreak has raised concerns about public health and the sale of unpasteurized dairy products. Since January, at least 21 people have been infected with E. coli or campylobacter, seven of whom have been hospitalized, and two cases have developed severe complications [1, 4].
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has identified Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach as the source of the contaminated raw milk [5]. Despite the ongoing investigation, the farm has not publicly addressed the outbreak.
Florida law prohibits the sale of raw milk for human consumption, but it allows the sale of raw milk when labeled explicitly for pet or animal food use only [3]. This loophole has allowed retailers to bypass the ban, and Keely Farms Dairy is no exception. The farm's disclaimer on its website reads, "As required by Florida law, our product is labeled and sold as livestock feed" [1].
The FDOH is working closely with Keely Farms Dairy to ensure that effective sanitation practices are implemented consistently across every batch [4]. However, the agency warns about the health risks associated with raw milk, emphasizing the importance of pasteurization in eliminating harmful pathogens [3, 4, 1].
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consider raw milk one of the riskiest foods people can consume [2]. The CDC reports that raw milk is 150 times more likely to cause foodborne illnesses than pasteurized milk [2].
Floridians, particularly children and vulnerable groups, have been disproportionately affected by the raw milk outbreak [3, 4]. The state's commissioner of agriculture encourages Floridians to "protect their health by only consuming pasteurized milk products" [1].
The popularity of raw milk appears to be growing, despite years of warnings about the health risks associated with drinking unpasteurized products [6]. Keely Farms Dairy has been promoting its products in a private Facebook group where Florida suppliers and consumers coordinate raw milk purchases [1].
The FDOH emphasizes the importance of being aware of potential risks associated with consuming raw dairy, even if it is labeled for animal consumption [1]. As the investigation into the raw milk outbreak continues, the public is urged to prioritize their health and safety by choosing pasteurized milk products.
- The ongoing concern about health-and-wellness in Florida is underscored by the recent raw milk outbreak, which has been linked to keely Farms Dairy and has led to multiple hospitalizations.
- In light of this health crisis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration advise against the consumption of raw milk, which is considered one of the riskiest foods due to its 150 times higher likelihood of causing foodborne illnesses compared to pasteurized milk.
- Despite the health risks and ongoing investigation, the popularity of raw milk continues to grow, with some Floridians purchasing it from dairies like Keely Farms Dairy through private social media platforms, disregarding warnings about potential health complications.
