ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida health officials on Monday issued a warning about the risks of drinking raw, unpasteurized milk after 21 people, including six children under the age of 10, were sickened by E. coli and campylobacter bacteria linked to raw milk from the same farm.
The Florida Department of Health said seven people have been hospitalized and two have developed severe complications.
Officials later identified the site as Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach.
News 6 community correspondent Molly Reed spoke to the farm on Thursday, but representatives did not want comment beyond saying their milk is not for human consumption.
“As required by the Federal Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and Florida Statute 502.091, which forbid the sale of unpasturized [sic] milk products for human consumption, our products are labeled: ‘Not for Human Consumption’ and sold as ‘Feed for Calves,’” a statement reads on Keely Farms Dairy website.
Raw milk is milk from cows, sheep, goats or other animals that has not been pasteurized, a heat-treating process that destroys potentially harmful bacteria.
According to an FDOH news release, consumers have reported benefits of raw milk consumption, including better taste and protective effects for asthma and allergies.
In Florida, however, raw milk can only be sold for non-human consumption as pet or animal food, which limits regulation efforts of sanitary practices. Containers must have a label clearly stating that the raw milk is for animal consumption only.
“Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases,” the health department said.
Floridians should be aware of potential risks associated with consumption, which may vary depending on the source of milk. The producer’s handling of raw milk and milking procedures are vital in prevention of contamination.
Health officials said raw milk can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, listeria, salmonella and others, all of which can cause gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps.