Florida Farm Identified as Source of Raw Milk Outbreak
Introduction to the Outbreak
The Florida Department of Health has identified Keely Farms Dairy as the source of raw milk that has sickened 21 people with E. coli or campylobacter since January.
The farm in New Smyrna Beach, about 40 miles northeast of Orlando, did not respond to phone and email messages from The Associated Press.
Details of the Outbreak
Since Jan. 24, six children under the age of 10 have been infected and seven people have been hospitalized, according to state officials. At least two cases developed severe complications. The department has not said if any of the six children are among those treated in hospitals, nor how many people were infected by E. coli, campylobacter or both bacteria.
Response from Health Department
“The Florida Department of Health will continue working with Keely Farms Dairy to ensure that effective sanitation practices are implemented consistently across every batch,” the department said in an updated statement Thursday.
From time to time you hear about an outbreak of E. coli. Learn what E. coli is and the symptoms of the illness that can be caused by the bacteria.
Risks Associated with Raw Dairy
The Health Department said Floridians “should be aware of potential risks” associated with consuming raw dairy but stopped short of issuing the same directive as the state’s commissioner of agriculture, who encouraged Floridians to “protect their health by only consuming pasteurized milk products.”
Popularity and Regulation of Raw Milk
Raw milk appears to be gaining in popularity, despite years of warnings about the health risks of drinking unpasteurized products. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say raw milk is one of the riskiest foods people can consume.
States have widely varying regulations regarding raw milk, with some allowing retail purchases in stores and others allowing sale only at farms.
Sale of Raw Milk in Florida
The sale of raw milk for human consumption is illegal in Florida, but retailers get around the ban by labeling their products as for pet or animal food only.
Keely Farms Dairy has repeatedly promoted its products in a private Facebook group in recent months, where Florida suppliers and consumers coordinate raw milk purchases.
In a disclaimer on its website, Keely Farms Dairy acknowledges the legal prohibitions against selling its products for people to drink.
"Since Federal law prohibits the sale of raw milk for human consumption, please DO NOT discuss such use with us, as it will jeopardize our ability to sell you raw milk. As required by Florida law, our product is labeled and sold as livestock feed," the disclaimer reads.
Conclusion
The identification of Keely Farms Dairy as the source of the raw milk outbreak highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect public health. The risks associated with consuming raw dairy products are well-documented, and it is essential for consumers to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions.
FAQs
Q: What is the source of the raw milk outbreak in Florida?
A: Keely Farms Dairy has been identified as the source of the raw milk outbreak that has sickened 21 people with E. coli or campylobacter since January.
Q: What are the risks associated with consuming raw dairy products?
A: Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and campylobacter, which can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Q: Is the sale of raw milk for human consumption legal in Florida?
A: No, the sale of raw milk for human consumption is illegal in Florida, but retailers often label their products as for pet or animal food only to get around the ban.
Q: What can consumers do to protect themselves from the risks associated with raw dairy products?
A: Consumers should only consume pasteurized milk products and be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming raw dairy products.
