TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Florida’s top health officials have joined social media to express his support for residents who are consuming undebilitated milk due to potential health benefits and protective factors.
“Floridians have the freedom to choose informed health,” Florida surgeon General Joseph A. Radapop said in a post in X.
Ladapop’s comments come days after Florida’s Department of Health reported that 21 people, including six children under the age of 10, have been ill with E. coli infections associated with a raw milk producer in News Myrna Beach. Seven people have been hospitalized since January.
Florida law requires raw milk to be labeled only for animal consumption, but despite the risk of illness, many argue that they drink it for health benefits. Raw milk producers are not found in the same regulations and hygiene standards as those who produce milk for the human consumption needed to undergo pasteurization.
So, two days after the FDOH Breaking News, Florida Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson issued a statement warning Floridians of the risk, urging them to consume only pasteurized milk.
“Florida’s pasteurized milk supply is safe and nutritious, with strict control from farms to local grocery stores,” Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said in a statement. “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.”
FDOH Bulletin acknowledged health risks related to raw milk, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and immunocompromised, but stopped promoting consumption.
“If Floridians choose to use this information and consume it, they are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health and the source of raw milk,” health officials wrote.
FDOH also listed the “reported benefits” of drinking raw milk. “Contains better taste and protective effects for asthma and allergies.” This is directly inconsistent with the US Food and Drug Administration, which exposed research often cited in 2024 by raw milk drinkers claiming to treat or treat asthma and allergies.
The FDA report also shoots down claims that raw milk cures lactose intolerance, prevents osteoporosis, and provides benefits for gut health.
“The claims by raw milk advocates we have considered cannot withstand scientific scrutiny,” reads the FDA report’s summary. Unfortunately, false claims of “health benefits” to raw milk advocates may be that parents give their children raw milk, encourage immunity-enhancing people, such as pregnant women, elderly people, hospitalized patients, and want better nutrition.
The Florida surgeon general is not afraid to contradict federal health guidance. LADAPO has broken with federal health officials on a variety of issues, including Covid vaccines and fluorides in the city’s water supply.
