Florida Mum Suffers Miscarriage After Raw Milk 'Poisoning' – But Why Are So Many Still Drinking It?

A Florida mother has claimed she suffered a miscarriage and her toddler was left seriously ill after drinking raw milk linked to a state-wide outbreak of foodborne illness.

Health officials have confirmed that at least 21 people, including six children under the age of ten, have fallen sick from unpasteurised milk produced by a farm in New Smyrna Beach.

The outbreak has sparked renewed warnings from doctors and regulators about the dangers of raw dairy products, particularly for pregnant women, who face heightened risks of miscarriage and severe complications.

The Raw Milk Outbreak in Florida

Earlier this month, the Florida Department of Health reported that raw milk from Keely Farms Dairy was the source of a Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak that spread across several counties.

Officials confirmed 21 infections, seven hospitalisations, and at least two cases of serious complications.

Six of the patients were children under ten. Authorities issued a public health advisory warning that raw milk, which has not undergone pasteurisation, can harbour dangerous bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and Campylobacter.

Keely Farms has not publicly responded to media enquiries regarding the outbreak, according to AP News.

Miscarriage Claim Sparks Legal Action

One of those affected, Rachel Maddox, a mother from Seminole County, has filed a civil lawsuit against the farm. She alleges that raw milk from Keely Farms caused her miscarriage and left her young child hospitalised, as reported by Yahoo News.

Both Maddox and her toddler later tested positive for Campylobacter, the same strain identified in the state investigation. Her lawsuit accuses Keely Farms of failing to prevent contamination and seeks damages for medical expenses and emotional distress.

At present, these remain allegations. No court has ruled on whether her miscarriage was directly caused by raw milk consumption.

Health Warnings for Pregnant Women

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have long advised against drinking raw milk. Officials say the risk is especially high for pregnant women due to the potential for Listeria monocytogenes infection.

The FDA has stated: 'Pregnant women run a serious risk from Listeria... which can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.' Data from the CDC shows that around one in four pregnancies affected by listeriosis ends in foetal loss or infant death.

Children, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems are also among the groups most vulnerable to complications.

Why People Still Choose Raw Milk

Despite repeated health alerts, many consumers continue to seek out unpasteurised milk. Supporters often claim it is fresher, more natural, or richer in nutrients. Social media has also fuelled demand, with influencers promoting perceived benefits.

Health experts counter that pasteurisation does not significantly reduce milk's nutritional value but does destroy harmful bacteria that can cause severe illness or even death.

Legal Loopholes and the UK Comparison

In Florida, the retail sale of raw milk for human consumption is banned. However, many farms use a legal loophole by labelling raw milk as 'pet food', a practice that still allows widespread distribution.

In the UK, rules differ. Raw drinking milk can legally be sold in England, Wales and Northern Ireland under strict hygiene and labelling conditions. In Scotland, it is banned for human consumption.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises pregnant women, children and older adults to avoid raw milk altogether.

Official Health Advice

Authorities in both the US and the UK continue to urge consumers to choose pasteurised milk and dairy products. Symptoms of raw milk-related illness can include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever and vomiting.

Health officials advise anyone who suspects they have become sick after drinking raw milk to seek medical help immediately.