(NewsNation) — Nearly two dozen people in Florida have reported getting sick after consuming raw milk from the same farm.
So far, 21 people have fallen ill with Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections, including six children under the age of 10.
Seven people were hospitalized and two cases involved severe complications, The Florida Department of Health said in a news release.
Raw milk warning
The agency is warning residents that raw milk can only be sold for non-human consumption in the state as pet or animal food.
Raw milk from cows, sheep, goats, or other animals has not been pasteurized, which means it didn’t go through a heat-treating process that destroys potentially harmful bacteria.
Producers are required to state on label containers that the raw milk is for animal consumption only.
STEC bacteria can be especially concerning for children, while groups at higher risk for severe illness are infants, young children, pregnant women and elderly individuals.
Debate over raw milk
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he only drinks raw milk and advocates insist it tastes better and has health benefits.
However, the Department of Agriculture banned the sale of raw milk for human consumption across state lines in 1987. Twenty states have banned intrastate raw milk sales in some form and 30 allow it, according to the FDA.
The agency writes on its website, “While the perceived nutritional and health benefits of raw milk consumption have not been scientifically substantiated, the health risks are clear.”
There have been 143 outbreaks of illness associated with consumption of contaminated raw milk and raw milk products since 1987, according to the agency. Some involved miscarriages, still births, kidney failure and death.
Even if you don’t drink raw milk, you could still fall ill as E. coli can spread from one person to another.
“Floridians should be aware of potential risks associated with consumption, which may vary depending on the source of milk,” the Florida Department of Health wrote.
“The producer’s handling of raw milk and milking procedures are vital in prevention of contamination. Many people consume raw milk safely. However, raw milk can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as Campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Listeria, Salmonella, and others.”