Many Republicans have been vocal proponents of expanding access to unpasteurized or "raw" milk, often aligning with the "food freedom" movement. However, pasteurizing milk kills E. coli bacteria, making the milk safer to drink. I'm old enough to remember when Republicans threw a shit-fit related to E. coli and food safety during Barack Obama's presidency. And now, Reuters reports that the Florida Department of Health stated on Monday that there have been 21 cases of Campylobacter and E. coli infections linked to drinking raw milk in the state, including six cases involving children under 10.
Via Reuters:
The state health department reported seven hospitalizations linked to the consumption of raw milk containing disease-causing bacteria from a particular farm in Northeast/Central Florida.
"Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases," the health department said.
The Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Campylobacter infections can cause diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps. In severe cases, they can cause kidney failure, which is of particular concern for children, the health department said.
In Florida, raw milk is sold only for non-human consumption as pet or animal food, which limits sanitary regulation efforts. Containers must be clearly labeled that the raw milk is for animal consumption only.
Unsurprisingly, Trump's Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is an advocate for drinking raw milk. So, go for it, MAGA. Go get you some raw milk and chug that "food freedom" down. Cheers!
