Florida health officials warn about infected raw milk

Christopher O'Donnell, Tampa Bay Times on Aug 4, 2025

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TAMPA, Fla. — It’s illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption in Florida. Yet, there have been 21 recent human cases of disease-causing bacteria linked to consumption of raw milk from the same farm, state health officials said Monday.

Six of the victims were children under the age of 10.

Seven of the cases resulted in hospitalization, with two people suffering severe complications, prompting the Florida Department of Health to send a health warning about the consumption of raw milk.

The notice did not name the farm but stated that infections occurred in north and central Florida. Bacteria found in those who were sick included campylobacter, a common cause of diarrheal illness, and shiga toxin-producing E. coli, which can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition that can cause kidney failure, permanent health problems and death.

“Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases,” the notice stated.

Raw milk, which can come from cows, goats or sheep, is not pasteurized, a heat-treating process that destroys potentially harmful bacteria like listeria, salmonella and campylobacter.

Its consumption has become a health fad in recent years, with adherents claiming it tastes better and has health benefits such as protection against asthma and allergies.

Raw milk can be sold in Florida provided containers have a label stating that the product is for animal consumption only. While not sold in major grocery chains, it is easy to find in smaller health food stores.

Food and Drug Administration researchers, using data from 2016 and 2019, reported that 4.4% of U.S. adults said they consumed unpasteurized milk at least once in a year.

Over a span of two decades, health departments across the country reported 2,645 illnesses tied to unpasteurized milk, including 228 hospitalizations and three deaths, a 2022 study showed.

“Floridians should be aware of potential risks associated with consumption, which may vary depending on the source of milk,” the health warning states.

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