Florida health officials are issuing a warning about the dangers of consuming raw milk after 21 people in the northeast and central parts of the state drank raw milk from the same farm and fell ill.
The Florida Department of Health issued the warning on Monday, Aug. 4, noting that due to sanitation practices and raw milk consumption, 21 people became sick, including six children under the age of 10. Among the patients, at least two have suffered "severe complications," the announcement read.
The illnesses were linked to one farm.
"Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases," the department wrote.
In Florida, raw milk is only sold for non-human consumption as pet or animal food, which limits regulation efforts of sanitary practices. Containers are supposed to be labeled so buyers know they contain raw milk for animal consumption only.
"Floridians should be aware of potential risks associated with consumption, which may vary depending on the source of milk," the health department wrote. "The producer’s handling of raw milk and milking procedures are vital in prevention of contamination. Many people consume raw milk safely."
Here’s what we know so far.
What is raw milk?
Raw milk includes milk from cows, sheep, goats, or other animals that has not been pasteurized or heat-treated to destroy bacteria, the Florida Department of Health said in the announcement.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raw milk can be a source of foodborne illness, and while while contamination can be reduced, there is no guaranteed protection from harmful germs in raw milk.
"Pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risks of raw milk consumption," the CDC said on its website, adding that since the early 1900s, pasteurization has led to a drop in milk-borne illnesses.
According to the Florida Department of Health, raw milk can contain disease-causing bacteria such as Campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Listeria, Salmonella and others. The bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps.
In California, state health officials warned the public after detecting the bird flu virus in raw milk from a central California dairy farm in November of last year.
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously been quoted as saying he only drinks raw milk.
Details on infections linked to Florida farm
The most recent cases involved both Campylobacter and STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) infections, and were linked to one particular farm, the department said.
STEC bacteria at its most severe can lead to kidney failure, the department said. Other people at high-risk for severe illness include infants and young children, pregnant women, elderly individuals and individuals with weakened immune systems.
"Floridians are encouraged to use this information to make informed decisions about their health and sources of raw milk should they choose to consume it," the department said.
Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Raw milk from Florida farm linked to 21 illnesses
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