August 6, 2025

Florida Officials Warn About Raw Milk After Illness Outbreak

News Summary

Health officials in Florida have issued a warning regarding the consumption of raw milk following an outbreak of foodborne illnesses that affected 21 individuals, including six children. The illnesses are linked to unpasteurized milk from a farm, resulting in several hospitalizations. The outbreak highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of raw milk, particularly given the lack of stringent sanitary regulations for farms selling it. Despite the risks, raw milk remains popular among certain wellness influencers. Officials stress the importance of informed choices about health risks associated with unpasteurized dairy products.

Florida health officials have issued a warning regarding the consumption of raw milk after 21 individuals, including six children, fell ill due to an outbreak of foodborne illnesses linked to unpasteurized milk from a specific farm. This outbreak has raised alarms about the sanitary practices at the implicated farm, although the identity of the milk producer has not been revealed to the public.

Among the 21 patients reported, seven have been hospitalized as a result of infections caused by Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The Florida Department of Health stated that symptoms of STEC infection often present as bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, typically occurring three to four days after consuming contaminated food or drink. Conversely, Campylobacter infections may lead to diarrhea (potentially bloody), abdominal pain, and fever, with symptoms beginning two to five days post-exposure.

The situation is part of a wider concern regarding the safety of raw milk consumption, particularly within the state of Florida, where the sale of raw milk is permitted as animal or pet food but is illegal for human consumption. Health officials have pointed out that the lack of stringent regulations governing sanitary practices on farms selling raw milk could be contributing to such health risks. They also noted that many people do not report foodborne illnesses, indicating that actual case numbers may be significantly higher than reported.

From 1998 to 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 202 foodborne illness outbreaks linked to raw milk, which sickened nearly 2,700 individuals. The pathogens responsible for STEC infections can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that may result in kidney failure, particularly in children under five, necessitating hospitalization or dialysis.

Despite public health advisories, raw milk consumption remains popular among certain wellness influencers, who advocate for its supposed health benefits, such as boosting the immune system. However, these claims lack substantial scientific backing. The Florida Department of Health highlighted that while many individuals consume raw milk without apparent issues, the risks associated with unpasteurized milk can vary based on the specific source and handling practices.

Health officials echoed that pasteurization does not diminish the nutritional quality of milk, making pasteurized milk a safer alternative that still offers the same health benefits. Furthermore, federal laws mandate pasteurization for milk sold across state lines, with various states enforcing their own regulations concerning the sale of raw milk.

Currently, Florida health officials have not issued a direct warning against raw milk consumption but underscored the importance of making informed choices regarding health risks associated with such products. The situation has prompted increased scrutiny and public health advisories related to raw milk consumption within the state. While officials acknowledge that many consume raw milk without immediate issues, they remain vigilant about potential outbreaks and health risks that arise from unpasteurized products.

Overall, the outbreak linked to raw milk serves as a reminder of the safety risks associated with consuming unregulated dairy products and the importance of adhering to food safety guidelines to prevent illness.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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