24 Florida Residents Sickened by Raw Milk from Single Farm

Outbreak of Food Poisoning Linked to Raw Milk in Florida

A recent outbreak of food poisoning has affected nearly two dozen people in Florida, according to the state’s Department of Health. The illness was traced back to contaminated raw milk from a single farm, though the specific producer was not immediately identified in initial reports.

The health department later issued a news release that linked the infections to Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach. According to officials, the first cases were reported in January 2025, and they emphasized that the situation remains concerning due to sanitation practices at the facility. However, the original bulletin did not specify whether the milk came from cows, goats, or sheep.

Keely Farms’ website states that the company raises Jersey cows and claims its raw milk is processed in a clean environment using high-quality, stainless steel equipment. The site also mentions that every batch of milk is tested with advanced technology before bottling. Despite these assurances, the farm stated in a statement that it had not been contacted by the Department of Health and was unaware of any investigation into the outbreak.

Types of Infections and Impact on Patients

The illnesses reported include Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections. So far, seven out of the 21 patients have been hospitalized, with six cases involving children under the age of 10. At least two patients have experienced severe complications from their infections.

Bill Marler, an attorney who specializes in food poisoning cases, noted that children are often disproportionately affected in such outbreaks. “It’s not unusual in these raw milk cases to have a large number of kids sick,” he said. “Kids drink more milk than adults do.”

Raw milk is not pasteurized, meaning it can contain harmful bacteria. While Florida allows farms to sell raw milk as long as it is labeled as pet or animal food, this labeling limits the regulation of sanitary practices on the farms. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 202 outbreaks linked to raw milk between 1998 and 2018. These incidents sickened nearly 2,700 people and led to over 220 hospitalizations.

Risks of Bacterial Infections

The bacteria responsible for STEC infections produce shiga toxin, which can damage cells and trigger a severe immune response. Dr. Norman Beatty, an infectious disease expert at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, explained that this response can lead to inflammation targeting blood vessel linings, potentially causing tiny blood clots that may travel to the kidneys.

This condition, known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), is most common in children under five but can affect anyone. It is life-threatening and typically requires hospitalization for supportive care, including dialysis.

Symptoms of STEC often include diarrhea, sometimes bloody, along with stomach cramps and vomiting. Fever is rare. Symptoms usually appear three to four days after exposure. Campylobacteriosis, another infection linked to raw milk, causes similar symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

In rare cases, food poisoning can lead to long-term complications, such as arthritis or Guillain-Barré syndrome, where the immune system attacks nerves, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Ongoing Concerns and Public Response

Despite the outbreak, the Florida Department of Health did not explicitly warn residents to avoid raw milk. Instead, the bulletin provided information about the outbreak to help people make informed decisions. A press secretary for the department emphasized the known risks associated with consuming raw milk.

Meanwhile, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly expressed support for raw milk. In May, he participated in a video with a wellness influencer, during which they consumed raw milk shots in the White House.

The CDC recommends choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products to avoid the risks associated with raw milk while still enjoying the same nutritional benefits. For more updates, readers can visit HAWXTECH for additional news and newsletters.