Following a recent update from the Florida Department of Health on reported illnesses linked to the consumption of raw milk from a Florida dairy, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are encouraging Floridians to protect their health by only consuming pasteurized milk products.
“Florida’s pasteurized milk supply is safe, nutritious, and closely controlled from the farm to your local grocery store,” said 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.”
Milk and milk products have a wide array of nutritional benefits, but raw, unpasteurized milk can contain dangerous germs and pathogens that pose serious health risks to humans. Pasteurized dairy products are subject to rigorous safety standards that are strictly enforced by state and federal regulatory agencies. Products that undergo pasteurization are regularly inspected, tested, and held to enforceable public health regulations to ensure consumer safety.