News Summary
Keely Farms Dairy in Florida is in turmoil after its raw milk has been linked to illnesses affecting 21 individuals, including six children. A lawsuit has been filed citing severe health issues stemming from consumption of the milk, with claims of negligence and insufficient warnings. The Florida Department of Health has identified the farm as the source, leading to a withdrawal of its products from stores. Amidst financial strain, Keely Farms has started a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate losses. Local community support continues as the dairy’s future hangs in balance due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Florida – Keely Farms Dairy, a New Smyrna Beach establishment, is in crisis after its raw milk has been linked to illnesses affecting 21 people, including six children under the age of 10. A lawsuit has been filed alleging that the farm’s raw milk caused severe health issues, including the death of a fetus. The complaint highlights that the plaintiffs, Rachel Maddox and her toddler, became ill with E. coli and Campylobacter after consuming the product.
The Florida Department of Health identified Keely Farms as the source of the illnesses, yet did so without conducting any tests or informing the farm’s owner, Keely Zeller Exum. According to health officials’ statements, seven of the affected individuals required hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms.
As a response to the health concerns, Keely Farms has removed its raw milk and other dairy products from stores, labeling them as “feed for calves, not for human consumption.” However, some retailers, such as Wild Hare Natural Market, have not removed the products, leading to further complications during the legal proceedings. The Florida Department of Health has not yet responded to inquiries regarding Keely Farms’ accusations against their handling of the situation.
In light of the lawsuit and financial strain stemming from the crisis, Keely Farms has initiated a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $40,000 to mitigate the impact. So far, they have collected over $18,000. The farm emphasizes its operations as a woman-owned business that supports many veterans and seniors; however, they report that they have never made a profit.
The lawsuit filed by Maddox claims multiple factors including negligence, strict liability, and breach of implied warranties. She seeks compensation for various damages, including pain, suffering, and medical expenses. Maddox asserts that after consuming the raw milk, she lost her fetus about a week later, while caring for her ill toddler who experienced multiple hospitalizations and significant health complications.
Legal representatives for the plaintiffs argue that the milk purchased had insufficient warnings regarding the risks associated with bacterial contamination. In contrast, Keely Farms maintains that they have always complied with legal guidelines concerning the sale of raw milk, asserting that their products were only intended for livestock and not human consumption.
The controversy surrounding Keely Farms has attracted the attention of community supporters, including two Volusia County council members, who have voiced their backing for the dairy farm amidst ongoing public scrutiny. Additionally, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo has expressed support for raw milk consumption, which contradicts warnings issued by various health experts about the potential dangers of consuming unpasteurized milk.
As this situation unfolds, it raises concerns about public health practices and the guidelines governing the sale of raw milk in Florida. The legal proceedings prompted by the allegations against Keely Farms illustrate the complexities of handling food safety and consumer rights in the dairy industry. The details surrounding this case emphasize the need for clear communication between health agencies and food producers to ensure transparency and safety for consumers.
Keely Farms continues to operate while facing significant challenges, and their future may hinge on the conclusions drawn from the ongoing legal matters as well as the community’s response to possible food safety issues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- News Journal: Raw Milk Farm Backers Question Florida Department of Health Tactics
- NBC News: Woman Says Raw Milk Sickened Toddler
- Click Orlando: Mother Sues Florida Dairy Farm
- Quality Assurance Magazine: Raw Milk Lawsuit Against Keely Farms
- Wikipedia: Raw Milk
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
