A food poisoning outbreak in Florida has affected nearly two dozen individuals who consumed contaminated raw milk from Keely Farms Dairy, located in New Smyrna Beach. The Florida Department of Health reported that the initial cases emerged as early as January 2025, but details regarding the specific farm were withheld at first. The outbreak has notably involved a range of infections, including strains of E. coli and Campylobacter, with at least seven of the 21 affected requiring hospitalisation.
The health department cautioned about ongoing contamination concerns linked to inadequate sanitation practices at the dairy farm. While Keely Farms claims to process their raw milk in a sterile environment using high-quality equipment and asserts that they test each batch for safety, the health department’s investigation has raised alarm regarding possible lapses.
Children are particularly vulnerable; six of the impacted individuals are under ten years old. Experts point out that children tend to consume more milk, leading to a disproportionate effect in this demographic. Complications from E. coli, including serious conditions like haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), can pose significant risks, particularly in young children.
Although the consumption of raw milk is permitted in Florida—as long as it is labelled as animal feed—the Department of Health indicated that this often limits oversight of hygiene on dairy farms. Nationally, from 1998 to 2018, 202 foodborne illness outbreaks tied to raw milk occurred, affecting around 2700 individuals and hospitalising over 220.
Symptoms associated with the infections include severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and vomiting, appearing days after exposure. The Florida health authorities have not prohibited raw milk consumption but advised the public about the inherent risks associated with it.
There are notable public figures, including US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who advocate for raw milk consumption, which complicates the narrative around its safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages opting for pasteurised milk instead, highlighting that it provides the same nutritional value without the associated health risks.
In summary, the Florida Department of Health’s warning serves to inform residents about the potential hazards of raw milk consumption amid this outbreak, urging caution while noting that they did not initially disclose the name of the farm involved.