Florida Health Officials Warn of Raw Milk-Linked Illnesses From Farm in Volusia County
The Florida Department of Health is urging residents in Northeast and Central Florida to be cautious when it comes to raw milk consumption following a series of severe illnesses linked to a Volusia County dairy.
Officials say 21 cases of Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections have been reported since January 24, 2025, all tied to raw milk from Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach. The illnesses include six children under the age of 10, seven hospitalizations, and at least two cases with severe complications.
Raw milk is milk from cows, sheep, goats, or other animals that has not been pasteurized — a heat process that kills potentially harmful bacteria. While some consumers report benefits such as better taste or possible allergy relief, the health department warns that unpasteurized milk can carry dangerous pathogens, including Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. These can cause gastrointestinal illness with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
In Florida, raw milk can only be sold for non-human consumption, such as pet or animal feed, and must be labeled accordingly. This limitation reduces regulatory oversight of sanitary practices, meaning contamination risks depend heavily on the producer’s handling and milking procedures.
Sanitation practices at Keely Farms Dairy are under scrutiny, and the health department says it will continue working with the farm to ensure consistent safety measures are in place for every batch.
STEC infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening condition that causes hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) and kidney failure. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for severe illness.
Health officials encourage Floridians to weigh the risks before consuming raw milk and to carefully consider the source if they choose to do so.
For more information, visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
