TALLAHASSY, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Department of Health has identified Keely Farms Dairy, the source of raw milk that has made 21 people sick with E. coli or Campylobacter since January.
A farm in News Myrna Beach, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of Orlando, did not respond to calls and email messages from the Associated Press.
Six children under the age of 10 have been infected since January 24th, with seven people hospitalized, according to state officials. At least two cases developed severe complications. The department says that either one of the six children is one of the children treated at the hospital, or that there are no people infected with E. coli, Campylobacter or both bacteria.
“The Florida Department of Health will work with Keely Farms Dairy to ensure that effective hygiene practices are consistently implemented across all batches,” the department said in an updated statement Thursday.
AG Commissioner tells Floridians to stop drinking raw milk after a series of illnesses
The Health Department said Floridians “need to be aware of the potential risks” associated with the consumption of raw dairy products, but they have stopped issuing the same directives as state farm commissioners who encouraged Floridians to protect their health by consuming only pasteurized dairy products.”
Despite years of warning about the health risks of drinking unpasteurized products, raw milk appears to be gaining popularity. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say raw milk is one of the most risky foods that people can consume.
The state has very different regulations regarding raw milk, allowing retail purchases in stores and some only for sale on farms.
In Florida, selling raw milk for human consumption is illegal, but retailers avoid the ban by labeling products just like pet and animal food.
In recent months, Keely Farms Dairy has repeatedly promoted its products on its private Facebook group, where Florida suppliers and consumers coordinate raw milk purchases.
Keely Farms Dairy in its website disclaimer, allowing a legal ban on selling products for people to drink.
“Since federal law prohibits the sale of raw milk for human consumption, please do not discuss such use as it risks the ability to sell raw milk. Our products are labeled and sold as livestock feed, as required by Florida law,” the disclaimer reads.
