Florida’s chief health official recently expressed his support on social media for residents consuming unpasteurized milk, citing “potential health benefits and protective factors.”

“Floridians have the freedom to make informed health choices,” stated Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo on X. “I support the decision to consume raw milk when pursued for potential health benefits and protective factors. Be aware of your source and understand the risks.”

Ladapo’s remarks followed the Florida Department of Health’s announcement that 21 individuals, including six children below age 10, fell ill due to E. coli infections linked to a raw milk producer in New Smyrna Beach. Since January, seven have been hospitalized.

Florida regulations mandate that raw milk be labeled for animal use only. Despite the illness risks, many report drinking it for claimed health benefits. Raw milk producers are not subject to the regulations and sanitation standards enforced on milk intended for human consumption, which requires pasteurization.

This is why, two days following the FDOH alert, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson issued a cautionary statement, advising Floridians to consume only pasteurized milk.

“Florida’s pasteurized milk supply is safe, nutritious, and carefully monitored from the farm to your local store,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “There have been no reported illnesses from pasteurized milk products in Florida, so Floridians should continue to buy and enjoy nutritious and wholesome dairy products from Florida farmers.”

The FDOH bulletin acknowledged the health risks associated with raw milk, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and immunocompromised people, but stopped short of urging against its consumption.

“Floridians are encouraged to use this information to make informed decisions about their health and sources of raw milk should they choose to consume it,” health officials wrote.

The FDOH also listed “reported benefits” of drinking raw milk, “including better taste and protective effects for asthma and allergies.” This directly contradicts the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which in 2024 debunked a study often cited by raw milk drinkers who allege that it cures or treats asthma and allergies.

The FDA report also shoots down claims that raw milk cures lactose intolerance, prevents osteoporosis and contains bacteria that benefit gut health.

“None of the claims made by the raw milk advocates that we have examined for you can withstand scientific scrutiny,” the FDA’s report summary reads. “Unfortunately, the false ‘health benefits’ claims of raw milk advocates may cause parents to give raw milk to their children and prompt immuno-compromised people, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and hospitalized patients, who want better nutrition, to also start consuming raw milk. It is these very same sub-groups of the population, however, that are most at risk for becoming ill or even dying from foodborne illness as a result of consuming adulterated raw milk.”

Florida’s surgeon general has not been afraid to contradict federal health guidance. Ladapo has broken with federal health officials on various issues, including the COVID vaccine and fluoride in municipal water supplies.