21 Fall Ill in Florida After Drinking Raw Milk Linked to Bacterial Outbreak

The Florida Department of Health is warning residents about the risks of consuming raw, unpasteurized milk after 21 people were sickened by bacterial infections linked to a single farm in the state. The outbreak has resulted in at least seven hospitalizations, including two cases with serious complications.

In a health bulletin issued on Monday, state officials confirmed that the illnesses were caused by two harmful bacteria — Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The cases have been reported across North and Central Florida and include six children under the age of ten.

Health authorities have not disclosed the name of the farm but said it is located in the northeastern or central part of the state. Sanitation practices at the facility were flagged as a major concern.

“This specific farm’s handling procedures were troubling and may have contributed to the contamination,” the bulletin stated.

Symptoms of Campylobacter and STEC infections include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. In some cases, especially in children, STEC can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure.

Legal but Risky

Although raw milk is legal to sell in Florida, it is permitted only for non-human consumption, such as for pets or livestock. Retail containers must clearly label the product as “not for human consumption.” This regulatory loophole reduces oversight on how the milk is handled and consumed.

Public health officials say this limited regulation creates an environment where contaminated milk can be sold under the radar and consumed by people, either unknowingly or deliberately.

“While some people choose raw milk for perceived health benefits or taste, it can carry dangerous pathogens if not handled with extreme care,” said the health department.

Supporters of raw milk often claim it helps with digestion, allergies, and even asthma. However, scientific evidence remains inconclusive, and major health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), continue to recommend consuming only pasteurized dairy products.

A Broader Concern

This is not the first time raw milk has caused serious illness among Florida residents. In 2014, a person from Florida died after contracting listeriosis from raw milk purchased from a Pennsylvania farm.

The CDC has repeatedly warned against raw milk consumption due to recurring outbreaks of bacterial infections in multiple states. Most recently, federal health officials extended their caution in light of the ongoing bird flu outbreak in the U.S., which has raised additional concerns about food safety.

Still, raw milk remains popular among certain groups. Some advocates argue that people should have the freedom to choose unpasteurized dairy, often citing personal health beliefs or traditional practices. U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has previously voiced support for legal access to raw milk, framing it as an issue of consumer rights.

Public health experts caution that the risk of contamination remains high, especially when sanitation practices are inadequate.

“Many people consume raw milk safely,” the Florida Department of Health noted. “But the producer’s hygiene and handling procedures play a critical role in preventing outbreaks like this one.”

The department is advising anyone who has recently consumed raw milk — especially from farms in Northeast or Central Florida — to monitor their health and seek medical attention if they experience gastrointestinal symptoms.

As investigations continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with consuming raw dairy products, particularly when oversight is limited and safety procedures are not rigorously followed.

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