Mother blames Florida dairy farm for miscarriage after raw milk exposure

In Florida, a woman named Rachel Maddox has filed a lawsuit against Keely Farms Dairy following a tragic incident that resulted in the loss of her unborn child and her toddler's severe illness. The events unfolded when Maddox purchased raw milk from a market in Longwood, Florida, for her family. Her toddler drank the raw milk on June 8 and subsequently developed symptoms that included diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, leading to hospitalization. Medical tests confirmed the presence of Campylobacter bacteria in her child, and Maddox claims she contracted the bacteria while caring for her sick child. Tragically, Maddox's 20-week-old unborn child died on June 18. She experienced severe health complications, including being readmitted to the hospital with sepsis. The lawsuit, filed in Seminole County, alleges that Keely Farms Dairy, along with the market where the milk was purchased, is responsible for selling contaminated milk. The complaint asserts that the dairy farm failed to provide adequate warnings about the dangers associated with raw milk consumption. Despite regulations against the sale of raw milk for human consumption in Florida, the milk was labeled as animal feed, which Maddox argues was misleading. Health officials have linked Keely Farms to over 20 cases of illness resulting from raw milk consumption this year. As part of the lawsuit, Maddox states that her inquiry about the raw milk’s labeling was insufficiently addressed, where she was informed that the warning about animal consumption was just a technical requirement. The farming operator maintained that they comply with state laws, which allow the sale of raw milk labeled as pet food. Her experience reflects the broader health concerns associated with raw milk consumption, highlighted by the CDC and FDA, which cite the potential for life-threatening bacteria in such products. The Florida Department of Health has expressed concern over sanitation practices at Keely Farms, given the number of cases related to the consumption of their raw milk. Reports indicate that among the 21 individuals affected this year, several were hospitalized, with at least two suffering from severe complications. The lawsuit not only emphasizes the personal tragedy faced by Maddox but also raises critical awareness about the health risks associated with raw milk, echoing previous findings that have linked raw milk to serious health outcomes, including miscarriages and even deaths.