The Shocking Truth Behind Raw Milk: Why RFK Jr.’s Claims Could Put Your Health at Serious Risk

Ever wonder how the phrase “empowered stupid” could become a full-time job title in some corners of the Sunshine State? Well, Florida’s latest obsession with raw milk — yes, that unpasteurized, dubious nectar touted for miracle health benefits — is stirring up a health storm that’s part baffling, part outright scary. Our current Health and Human Services secretary seems oddly smitten with this controversial concoction, much to the chagrin of public health folks and anyone with a functioning microscope. Seven hospitalizations, two severe cases, and a looming bacterial nightmare have pushed the state’s health department to raise red flags, all while Keely Farms Dairy claims they were blindsided by investigations. It’s like the horse-paste COVID cure saga refused to ride off into the sunset, morphing into yet another chapter of “What were they thinking?” But before you roll your eyes and write off Florida as the wild west of wellness, maybe it’s time to ask—why does raw milk still captivate folks despite all the microbiological mayhem? Dive into the mess, the madness, and the mayhem of Florida’s raw milk debacle, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a cautionary tale hidden in the chaos. LEARN MORE

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The long reach of the empowered stupid has now arrived in Florida, which, admittedly, is a very hospitable state for it.

I never got the whole raw milk thing. I didn’t even understand the bullshit case for it that so appealed to our current secretary of Health and Human Services and to all the bats roosting in his crowded belfry. However, there are other perspectives. From WFTV:

Seven people in Northeast and Central Florida have been hospitalized after drinking raw milk. The Florida Department of Health issued a statement about raw milk in these regions, raising concerns about sanitation at Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach. Since January 24, 2025, twenty-one illnesses have been linked to raw milk from Keely Farms Dairy, including seven hospitalizations and two severe cases. Keely Farms Dairy stated that it was not informed of any investigation by the Florida Department of Health prior to the press release.

RFK Jr. stands accused in many corners of the freakazoid community of insufficient action on raw milk. But, Jesus, people. Stop taking advice from the Ancient Aliens wing of the public health community. (We will deal with Republicans working the Ancient Aliens wing of Ancient Aliens in a bit. No, really. You’ll want to hang on for that).

Raw milk, unpasteurized and sometimes thought to taste better and provide allergy and asthma benefits, can contain dangerous bacteria. In Florida, it is only allowed to be sold as pet or animal food, with containers labeled accordingly. The Florida Department of Health is concerned about serious Campylobacter and STEC infections linked to Keely Farms Dairy. STEC can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is especially dangerous to children and vulnerable groups.

The spirit of the horse-paste cure for COVID-19 will never die.