Florida's Raw Milk Scare: What You Need to Know

In Florida, 21 people fell ill after consuming raw milk from a single farm. Among those affected, six were children under 10, and seven required hospitalization. Two individuals faced severe complications. The Florida Department of Health expressed concern over the farm's sanitation practices, linking them to the outbreak. Raw milk, which hasn't undergone pasteurization, was sold in Northeast and Central Florida. Although it's illegal to sell raw milk for human consumption in Florida, it can be marketed as pet food. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to eliminate harmful bacteria. The FDA and CDC caution that raw milk can contain dangerous bacteria like E. coli, campylobacter, listeria, and salmonella, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and even more serious issues like kidney failure.Since 1987, 143 outbreaks have been tied to raw milk or its products, resulting in miscarriages, stillbirths, kidney failure, and deaths. Federal law mandates pasteurization for milk sold across state lines, and many states ban or restrict raw milk sales. Proponents of raw milk, like Mark McAfee, argue that it contains immune-boosting bioactives. However, the CDC disputes these claims, stating that pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risks. Florida officials acknowledged that many consume raw milk safely but emphasized the potential risks, which vary depending on the source and handling practices.