Raw Milk Scandal: 21 Sickened, One Fetal Loss, as Florida Officials Stay Silent!

Raw Milk Scandal: 21 Sickened, One Fetal Loss, as Florida Officials Stay Silent!

In recent days, a troubling health crisis has emerged in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where twenty-one individuals have fallen ill after consuming raw milk from Keely Farms Dairy. Among those affected is a woman who tragically lost a fetus, allegedly linked to the raw milk consumption. Such sobering events have drawn significant attention to the potential risks associated with unpasteurized milk and the controversial practices surrounding its sale.

Despite the alarming circumstances, Keely Farms Dairy has labeled its raw milk as “feed for calves,” explicitly stating it is not for human consumption. However, this hasn’t stopped their products from making their way into the hands of customers throughout Northeast and Central Florida. As of now, health officials from the Florida Department of Health have identified the dairy in connection to the illnesses but have yet to conduct tests or formally communicate with the dairy’s owner, Keely Zeller Exum. Meanwhile, the farm claims to be on the receiving end of financial hardship, launching a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising $40,000 to address the impacts of this health scare, which has already collected over $18,000.

The Role of Health Officials

The Florida Department of Health has issued warnings regarding the risks of drinking raw, unpasteurized milk. The illnesses reported include infections from E. coli and campylobacter bacteria, with six of the affected individuals being children under ten and seven requiring hospitalization. Regrettably, two of those affected have developed severe complications. Despite this, the department has not shut down Keely Farms Dairy, and just recently, the Department of Agriculture inspected and reapproved the farm’s labeling practices.

It’s worth noting that selling raw milk for human consumption is illegal in Florida, yet it can still be sold for pet food. This discrepancy raises questions about the regulatory environment surrounding raw milk in the state. Online wellness influencers and advocates for raw food have contributed to a rise in raw milk sales, drawing concern from health authorities. According to experts from the CDC and FDA, raw milk poses a serious risk; it can harbor life-threatening bacteria including E. coli and listeria. Over the years, the CDC reports that there have been 143 outbreaks related to raw milk, which have led to serious consequences such as miscarriages and renal failure.

Conflicting Messages from Officials

Adding to the complexity of the situation are mixed signals from Florida’s officials. The Florida Surgeon General has expressed support for raw milk consumption, while the Commissioner of Agriculture advocates for pasteurized milk as the safer choice. As a result, confusion prevails among consumers about the true safety of raw milk and its potential health benefits, which advocates claim are numerous. Yet, the CDC remains firm, stating that pasteurized milk provides equivalent nutritional benefits without the associated dangers of raw milk consumption.

It’s clear that while many individuals believe they can safely consume raw milk, particularly from trusted local farms, health authorities urge caution. The risks associated with raw milk consumption can be severe, particularly for vulnerable populations, including young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of foodborne illness from raw milk can include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, while more severe conditions may lead to lasting health issues or even death.

The situation surrounding Keely Farms Dairy serves as both a cautionary tale and a call for clearer guidelines regarding the sale and consumption of raw milk in Florida. As health experts continue to emphasize the dangers, it’s essential for consumers to make informed choices about what they put on their tables.

The repercussions of this outbreak will likely resonate in the community and may prompt a reevaluation of raw milk regulations in Florida. As events continue to unfold, residents are left wondering what steps will be taken next to ensure their safety and health.