Raw Milk Contamination Raises Public Health Concerns in Florida

A recent foodborne illness outbreak in Florida has once again brought raw milk safety into the national spotlight. 

The Florida Department of Health has reported 21 confirmed cases of E. coli and Campylobacter infections linked to the consumption of raw, unpasteurized milk from a farm in the northeast-central region of the state. Six of those affected are children under the age of 10, and seven individuals have required hospitalization, with at least two experiencing severe complications.

What Happened?

The outbreak, first confirmed on August 4, 2025, involves a specific strain of Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC) and Campylobacter – both of which are known to cause gastrointestinal illness and, in some cases, serious long-term health impacts such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure.

Florida health officials have not disclosed the name of the implicated farm but raised red flags about its sanitation practices. “Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases,” the department stated in its advisory.

While raw milk is illegal to sell for human consumption in Florida, it is legally available for purchase as animal or pet feed – a loophole that limits regulatory oversight and enforcement. Despite required labeling indicating non-human use, some consumers bypass these warnings and drink the product anyway, exposing themselves to potential health risks.

A Broader Public Health Issue

Raw milk has long been associated with foodborne illness outbreaks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 143 raw milk-associated outbreaks were reported in the U.S. between 2009 and 2021. These outbreaks involved a variety of pathogens, including Salmonella, Listeria, Brucella, and E. coli.

The dangers are not limited to gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In vulnerable populations – infants, young children, elderly adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems – pathogens found in raw milk can lead to life-threatening complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth or chronic illness.

Pasteurization remains the gold standard for preventing these outcomes. As the FDA notes, “Pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risks of raw milk consumption”.

Food Safety Takeaway

This outbreak underscores the continuing public health risks associated with raw milk consumption, especially when regulatory loopholes allow such products to circulate in ways that blur the line between legal intent and practical use.

The Florida Department of Health's investigation is ongoing, and further actions may be taken depending on the outcomes. In the meantime, health experts strongly recommend that consumers avoid raw dairy products altogether and choose pasteurized alternatives to safeguard their health and that of their families.

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