by ORLANDO, FL – A Florida mother has filed a lawsuit against a New Smyrna Beach dairy farm after claiming raw milk purchased from the business left her toddler seriously ill and caused her to lose her unborn baby. The suit, filed in Seminole County Court, names Keely Farms Dairy and Wild Hare Natural Market as defendants, alleging negligence and failure to warn consumers about the risks of unpasteurized milk.
The Allegations Against the Dairy Farm
Plaintiff Rachel Maddox alleges that her toddler developed a life-threatening illness after consuming raw milk she purchased in June 2024. Maddox said she was nearly 20 weeks pregnant at the time and later contracted E. coli and campylobacter herself while caring for her sick child.
According to the lawsuit, Maddox was hospitalized with dehydration and sepsis. Just days later, she tragically suffered a miscarriage at around 19 to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
The suit accuses Keely Farms Dairy and Wild Hare Natural Market of:
- Strict liability for selling a defective product.
- Negligence in failing to test for contamination and maintain sanitary conditions.
- Breach of implied warranties by selling milk that was unsafe for consumption.
Link to Statewide Outbreak
Florida’s Department of Health has already linked Keely Farms Dairy to an outbreak of campylobacter and shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Since January 2024, at least 21 cases have been reported, including six children under age 10 and seven hospitalizations.
Officials issued a public warning about raw milk risks, noting that the farm was instructed to implement stronger sanitation practices.
How the Family Consumed the Raw Milk
The complaint says Maddox purchased raw milk from Wild Hare Natural Market in June at her husband’s request. He had grown up drinking farm-fresh milk in Eastern Europe and wanted to share the experience with their toddler, identified only by the initials L.U.
Though the milk carried a label stating it was “for animal consumption only” — a legal requirement in Florida — Maddox claims she was told this was just a “technicality.” Believing the milk was safe, the couple gave it to their child.
Within hours of drinking it, L.U. developed severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and dehydration.
A Toddler’s Medical Crisis
According to NBC News, The child was hospitalized three times over the course of June. Doctors at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital diagnosed him with both E. coli and campylobacter infections, conditions that can cause serious complications in children.
L.U. required surgery for intussusception, a dangerous bowel blockage, and was treated for potential hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) — a complication of E. coli that can cause kidney failure.
According to the suit, L.U.’s medical treatments and follow-ups are still ongoing.
Maddox’s Health Collapse
While Maddox said she never drank the raw milk herself, she contracted the infections while caring for her child. After developing fever, chills, abdominal pain, and vomiting, she was hospitalized.
On June 18, her pregnancy ended in tragedy when doctors confirmed the death of her unborn child due to sepsis linked to her infection. She was later screened for Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare but serious nerve disorder often triggered by campylobacter infections.
The lawsuit says Maddox continues to need medical care and has suffered permanent harm.
Legal Claims and Damages
The lawsuit alleges the milk was “unreasonably dangerous” because it contained harmful bacteria at the time of sale. Maddox is seeking compensatory damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
Neither Keely Farms Dairy nor Wild Hare Natural Market responded to media inquiries about the case.
Public Health Risks of Raw Milk
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that raw milk — milk that has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria — can contain E. coli, listeria, salmonella, and campylobacter. Children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risks.
Despite these warnings, raw milk has grown in popularity among some consumers who believe it is more natural or nutritious. Florida law allows raw milk to be sold, but only if labeled as “for animal consumption.”
This lawsuit highlights the real dangers associated with raw milk consumption, especially for young children and pregnant women. As Florida health officials continue monitoring outbreaks, the case against Keely Farms Dairy could shape how raw milk is marketed and regulated in the state.
Do you think raw milk should continue to be sold in Florida despite the risks, or should the state strengthen restrictions? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
