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The Florida Department of Health confirmed 21 illnesses, including two with “severe complications” due to consumption of raw milk
Health officials said all cases are linked to the same farm and that “sanitation practices” are a concern
The CDC recommends against the consumption of raw milk and notes that pasteurized milk reduces the risk of infections
Florida health officials are sending out a warning after several people were hospitalized after consuming raw milk.
On Monday, Aug. 4, the Florida Department of Health confirmed that there have been 21 illnesses, including six children under the age of 10, and seven hospitalizations due to the consumption of raw milk. Of those cases, at least two involved patients who suffered “severe complications.”
All cases were linked to raw milk from the same farm.
Raw milk refers to milk that has not been pasteurized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Food and Drug Administration are among the many health organizations that consider the process of pasteurization “crucial” as it “[kills] harmful germs that can cause illness” — especially in vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults and pregnant women.
The pasteurization process involves “heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period of time,” according to the FDA. It kills organisms responsible for diseases such as listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria and more.
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The recent cases in Florida resulted in infections of Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
“Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases,” the health department said. “The producer’s handling of raw milk and milking procedures are vital in prevention of contamination. Many people consume raw milk safely.”
The CDC recommends against consuming raw milk as it can lead to serious health risks, especially for certain vulnerable populations. The agency notes that pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risks.
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Gallon of Milk
Health officials encouraged residents to educate themselves of the potential risks associated with consumption of raw milk.
This isn’t the first time experts have recently raised concerns about the consumption of raw milk.
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Last year, two children in California reportedly contracted bird flu after drinking raw milk after the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that the virus was detected in a retail sample of raw milk, which was subsequently recalled.
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