ORLANDO, Florida — The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has issued a public update highlighting the dangers of consuming raw milk, following an outbreak of infections tied to a specific farm in the Northeast and Central Florida regions. The alert comes as health authorities report 21 confirmed cases of illnesses caused by harmful bacteria, including Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), with seven individuals requiring hospitalization. Raw milk, defined as milk from cows, sheep, goats, or other animals that has not undergone pasteurization—a process that kills potentially harmful bacteria—has been at the center of the investigation. While some consumers tout benefits such as improved taste and potential protective effects against asthma and allergies, FDOH emphasizes the significant health risks involved. In Florida, raw milk is legally sold only for non-human consumption, such as pet or animal food, and must be clearly labeled as such. This restriction limits regulatory oversight of sanitary practices on farms. Despite these measures, the bulletin notes that raw milk can harbor dangerous pathogens like Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, which may lead to gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. The current outbreak has raised particular concerns about sanitation at the implicated farm. Among the 21 cases, six involved children under the age of 10, and at least two individuals experienced severe complications. STEC infections, in their most serious form, can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition marked by blood cell destruction and kidney failure that poses heightened risks to young children. Health officials are urging vulnerable populations—infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems—to exercise extreme caution.