Raw Milk Risks Highlighted After Florida Outbreak Sickens Dozens

New Smyrna Beach, FL – A recent outbreak of illness linked to raw milk from Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach has reignited the debate over the safety of unpasteurized dairy products. The Florida Department of Health identified the dairy as the source of infections that have sickened 21 people over the past six months, wiht seven requiring hospitalization and two experiencing severe complications.

Health officials are urging consumers to be aware of the potential dangers associated with raw milk, despite a growing trend towards its consumption fueled by perceptions of health benefits.

“You hear the stories. ‘I drank raw milk. I grew up on a farm,40 years,and nothing ever happened to me,'” explains Dr. David Schneider, a food science expert. “Yeah, well, the person who did that and died when they were four years old isn’t around to tell their story.”

Why Raw Milk Carries Risk

Raw milk, unlike pasteurized milk, has not undergone a heating process designed to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. While proponents argue raw milk retains beneficial enzymes and nutrients lost during pasteurization, public health experts emphasize the significant risk of contracting serious, even life-threatening, illnesses.

the danger isn’t limited to those with compromised immune systems. While some individuals may consume raw milk without immediate ill effects, Dr. Schneider points to a “survivor bias” – those who experience severe consequences are less likely to share their stories.

Vulnerable Populations at Greatest risk

Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of raw milk. Marketing raw milk towards children is especially concerning, given their increased susceptibility to infection.

Beyond Raw Milk: A Broader Look at Food Processing

The discussion around raw milk also touches on a wider debate about food processing. Dr. Schneider cautions against broadly demonizing all food processing, arguing that it’s not the processing itself, but factors like portion size and lack of physical activity, that are primary drivers of obesity in the United States.

He distinguishes between basic processing techniques like pasteurization and “ultra-processed” foods that undergo significant alteration. lumping all processing together, he says, is “problematic.”

Pasteurization: A Century of Public health Success

Pasteurization, introduced over a century ago, dramatically reduced the incidence of milk-borne illnesses. Before its widespread adoption, contaminated milk was a major source of disease, particularly among children.

While outbreaks linked to raw milk are relatively rare, they serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently recommends against consuming raw milk or products made from it.

Staying Informed & Protecting Your Health

Consumers considering raw milk should be aware of the risks and consult with their healthcare provider.The CDC provides complete information on raw milk safety: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-questions-and-answers.html

This outbreak underscores the importance of informed food choices and the ongoing need for robust public health measures to protect vulnerable populations.

What steps should individuals who consumed raw milk from New Smyrna Beach Dairy and are experiencing symptoms take?

21 People Sickened by Raw Milk from New Smyrna Beach dairy in Florida Outbreak

Florida Raw Milk Illnesses: A Public health Concern

A recent outbreak linked too raw milk from New smyrna Beach Dairy in Florida has sickened 21 individuals,prompting health officials to issue urgent warnings about teh dangers of consuming unpasteurized dairy products. The Florida Department of Health is actively investigating the source and extent of the contamination,focusing on Campylobacter as the primary pathogen identified in the illnesses. This outbreak underscores the ongoing risks associated with raw milk consumption and the importance of adhering to food safety guidelines.

Understanding the Outbreak Details

The cases, reported across several Florida counties, began appearing in late July 2025. Individuals affected range in age from under 5 to over 70, with symptoms including:

Diarrhea (frequently enough bloody)

Fever

Stomach cramps

Vomiting

Several individuals have required hospitalization, though no deaths have been reported as of August 8, 2025. The investigation has pinpointed New Smyrna Beach Dairy as the likely source, leading to a voluntary recall of all raw milk products from the farm.

Campylobacter Infection: The Culprit Behind the Illnesses

Campylobacter is a bacterium commonly found in the intestinal tracts of animals, notably cattle. Foodborne illness caused by Campylobacter is a leading cause of diarrheal disease in the United States. Raw milk is a known vehicle for Campylobacter transmission as pasteurization effectively kills the bacteria. Symptoms typically appear 2-5 days after consuming contaminated food or drink.

The Risks of Raw Milk: Why Pasteurization Matters

Unpasteurized milk, often marketed as “raw milk” or “farm-fresh milk,” hasn’t undergone the pasteurization process, which heats the milk to kill harmful bacteria. While proponents claim raw milk offers health benefits, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence.

Here’s a breakdown of the risks:

Bacteria: Raw milk can harbor hazardous bacteria like Campylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.

Vulnerable Populations: Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to severe illness from raw milk.

Severity of Illness: Infections from raw milk can led to kidney failure, chronic arthritis, and even death.

Misconceptions: The belief that raw milk is inherently safer or more nutritious than pasteurized milk is a dangerous myth.

New Smyrna Beach Dairy & Florida Raw Milk Laws

New Smyrna Beach Dairy is a small-scale dairy farm that sells raw milk directly to consumers. Florida law permits the sale of raw milk on the farm with specific labeling requirements. However, the recent outbreak has reignited debate about the safety of these regulations and the potential need for stricter oversight of raw milk producers. Consumers seeking safe dairy products should always choose pasteurized options.

What to Do if You Consumed Raw Milk from New Smyrna Beach Dairy

If you have consumed raw milk or raw milk products from New Smyrna Beach Dairy and are experiencing symptoms of illness, seek medical attention instantly. Inform your healthcare provider that you may have been exposed to Campylobacter through raw milk.

Here are crucial steps to take:

1. contact your doctor: Describe your symptoms and potential exposure.
2. Report your illness: Contact your local health department to report your case. This helps track the outbreak and prevent further spread.
3. Discard any remaining raw milk: Do not consume any remaining raw milk products from New Smyrna Beach Dairy.
4. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the restroom and before preparing food.

Past Raw Milk Outbreaks: A Recurring Pattern

This isn’t the first time raw milk has been linked to illness.Numerous outbreaks have occurred across the United States in recent years, highlighting the consistent risks associated with its consumption.

2017: A multi-state outbreak linked to raw milk from Pennsylvania sickened 81 people.

2018: Raw milk from California farms caused a Campylobacter outbreak affecting 12 individuals.

2022: Several cases of E.