Lawsuit thrown out after Florida mom says raw milk led to dead baby during pregnancy

A lawsuit brought by a Seminole County, Florida woman against a Central Florida dairy farm has been dismissed, according to court records. Rachel Maddox filed the suit last year alleging that raw milk purchased from Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach led to the death of her unborn child.

The Case and Allegations

The lawsuit detailed that Maddox purchased raw milk in June 2025 from a store in Longwood. The milk’s label indicated it was “for consumption by animals,” but she was reportedly told this was a technicality for selling “farm milk.” Subsequently, her toddler became ill with diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting after consuming the raw milk and was hospitalized.

Did You Know? At least 21 cases of E. Coli and Campylobacter sickness were linked to raw milk from Keely Farms Dairy.

Maddox tested positive for Campylobacter, a bacteria commonly causing foodborne illness, which she attributed to exposure while caring for her sick child. She then experienced severe illness, sepsis, and the loss of her fetus. According to Maddox, doctors indicated she was fortunate to survive.

Dismissal and Farm’s Response

Keely Family Farms filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the complaint lacked specific evidence of contamination or a “root-cause investigation of illness.” The farm also asserted that its labeling complied with Florida Department of Agriculture requirements, including the disclaimer regarding the milk’s intended use.

Expert Insight: The dismissal highlights the legal challenges in establishing direct causation in cases involving foodborne illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Demonstrating a definitive link between a specific product and a complex medical event requires substantial evidence, and the farm’s argument focused on the lack of such proof in the initial complaint.

On Friday afternoon, Maddox voluntarily dismissed the case.

Broader Context

The case occurred amidst concerns about the safety of raw milk. State officials had previously warned about the risks associated with consuming raw milk, citing the 21 cases of E. Coli and Campylobacter sickness linked to Keely Farms Dairy. Six of those affected were children under 10, seven were hospitalized, and at least two experienced severe complications.

However, the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund reported that the state issued its warning without a full investigation or a formal notice of violation against the farm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the central claim of the lawsuit?

The lawsuit claimed that raw milk purchased from Keely Farms Dairy caused a Campylobacter infection in Rachel Maddox, leading to sepsis and the death of her fetus.

Why was the lawsuit dismissed?

Keely Family Farms filed a motion to dismiss, arguing the lawsuit did not provide sufficient evidence of contamination or a root-cause investigation of the illness. Maddox then voluntarily dismissed the case.

Were there other reported illnesses linked to the dairy?

Yes, state officials reported at least 21 cases of E. Coli and Campylobacter sickness linked to raw milk from Keely Farms Dairy, including illnesses in children and hospitalizations.

What role does labeling play in the sale of raw milk in Florida?