Florida health officials report that nearly two dozen people have fallen ill after drinking raw milk, with cases continuing since January 2025. Seven people have been hospitalized — six of them children under 10 — and two patients have developed severe complications.
The illnesses are linked to Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). These bacteria can cause dangerous symptoms, including fever, diarrhea, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that harms the kidneys and blood vessels.
Raw milk is unpasteurized and can carry harmful bacteria. Though it’s legal to sell in Florida if labeled “for pet consumption,” it isn’t regulated like pasteurized milk. Health experts recommend choosing pasteurized dairy products for the same nutrition but far lower risk of infection.
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