Florida surgeon general supports raw milk consumption despite 21 infections

Christopher O'Donnell, Tampa Bay Times on Aug 12, 2025

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Under Florida law, raw or unpasteurized milk can only be sold for consumption as pet or animal food.

Since it’s not made to be consumed by humans, it also means the state is limited in how much it can regulate sanitation standards at dairies that sell unpasteurized milk.

Yet, on Tuesday afternoon, the state’s top health official took to social media to support the consumption of raw milk, which has become a health fad in recent years.

“Floridians have the freedom to make informed health choices,“ Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said in a post on X. ”I support the decision to consume raw milk when sought for potential health benefits and protective factors. Be aware of your source and know the risks."

Ladapo’s post also came one week after state health officials issued a health advisory after 21 cases of infection were linked to the consumption of raw milk produced at Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach.

The infections occurred among consumers in north and central Florida beginning Jan. 24, an updated health advisory stated. Six children under the age of 10 were among those infected and seven cases resulted in hospitalization. Severe complications were reported in at least two cases.

Bacteria found in those who were sick included campylobacter, a common cause of diarrheal illness, and shiga toxin-producing E. coli, which can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition that can cause kidney failure, permanent health problems and death.

Ladapo’s post included a link to the Florida Department of Health’s post on the outbreak, which states that many people consume raw milk safely but struck a markedly different tone.

“In Florida, raw milk can only be sold for non-human consumption as pet or animal food, which limits regulation efforts of sanitary practices,” the advisory states. “Floridians should be aware of potential risks associated with consumption, which may vary depending on the source of milk.”

The post states that raw milk can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as campylobacter, E. Coli, listeria, salmonella and others.

“These bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps,” it warns.

Typically, these bacteria are killed during pasteurization of milk. But raw milk enthusiasts claim it tastes better and has health benefits such as protection against asthma and allergies.

Other health claims for raw milk made on social media state that it’s good for the gut, alleviates lactose intolerance and has superior levels of proteins and vitamins. The The Food and Drug Administration has issued guidance stating that raw milk does not cure lactose intolerance.

Florida remains one of 20 states with some form of an explicit prohibition on in-state raw milk sales.

Ladapo has been frequently criticized by other scientists for opinions that contradict scientific consensus or the advice of medical boards and federal health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ladapo recommended children not get immunized against COVID-19 in 2022. At least four experts whose work he cited as the basis for the guidance said that Ladapo took their research out of context and accused him of “cherry picking” information.

And before Florida lawmakers this year banned fluoridation of drinking water, he issued guidance in December saying communities should not add the substance to water supplies. The guidance runs counter to that given by the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Florida Dental Association.

After a case of the measles was confirmed in a Miami-Dade school in March, Ladapo said parents should be able to send their children to school even if they not vaccinated against the highly infectious disease.

His post on X about raw milk drew both praise and criticism.

“Yes thank you,” one commenter posted. “We must have freedom to consume raw milk!”

“Then legalize it, remove the not for human consumption nonsense and stop the attention seeking posts,” another X user said.

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