TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Florida agricultural commissioners have told Floridians to drop raw milk after more than 20 people have become ill in connection with consumption of raw dairy products.
On August 4, the Florida Department of Health said 21 people, including six children, became ill with Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli after consuming raw milk produced by Keely Farms Dairy in News Myrna Beach.
Raw milk tied to more than 21 cases of illness, seven hospitalizations in Florida
Seven of these people were hospitalized, and two suffered from “severe complications,” according to health officials.
Depending on the illness, Commissioner Wilton Simpson urged Floridians to drink pasteurized milk instead of raw milk that could contain harmful bacteria.
“Florida’s pasteurized milk supply is safe and nutritious, with strict control from farms to local grocery stores,” Simpson said. “There have been no reported illnesses from pasteurized dairy products in Florida, so Floridians should buy and enjoy nutritious, healthy dairy products from Florida farmers.”
Unlike raw milk, which is sold only for animal consumption in Florida, pasteurized milk is rigorously tested for safety and treated to remove bacteria. Pasteurization is simply the process of mildly heating milk to a certain temperature and killing bacteria that can cause diseases such as Listeria, tuberculosis and other diseases.
“We are committed to providing food safety services,” said Dr. Matt Curran, director of FDACS’ food safety. “Raw milk can contain dangerous pathogens such as E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella, which can cause serious illnesses, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weak immune systems.”
So just put raw milk down for you.
