Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) has been arguing for some time that the Florida Department of Health (DOH) devastated local Florida farm, Keely’s Family Farm, LLC, through negative press rather than providing proof that the farm caused harm or by taking formal actions.
What Happened
This travesty began when the Florida DOH, lacking evidence to take formal action against Keely Family Farms, instead issued a press release to accuse Keely through media coverage. A civil lawsuit followed, alleging illness caused by the farm. After FTCLDF assisted the farm in responding to the lawsuit, on February 13, 2026, the civil suit personal injury against the farm was voluntarily dismissed.
This case has an interesting history, which you can read more about here.
But essentially, the DOH alerted the public in a press release last summer that several illnesses were “linked to” (not “caused by”) raw milk from Keely’s Family Farms, milk labeled “not for human consumption.” (It is worth noting that Keely Family Farms holds an animal feed license and produces milk as animal feed, as permitted by Florida law, and not for human consumption.)
Yet the DOH made these assertions that the milk caused illnesses without having conducted a thorough investigation. The agency failed to visit the farm, issued no formal notice of violation against the farm, or took any steps to shut down production or sales. Subsequently, a Florida resident filed a personal injury lawsuit against the farm, relying solely on the statements made by the DOH to allege injuries caused by the farm’s milk.
This is exactly the kind of regulatory harm our organization exists to combat. In response, FTCLDF filed public records requested with DOH in search of data and evidence they relied on in making claims against the farm. FTCLDF worked with local counsel to file a Motion to Dismiss the civil case, which was then dismissed within days.
Similar Cases, Other States
FTCLDF is also concerned because we are seeing similar, improper regulatory actions in other states as well. In Idaho, for example, the state Department of Agriculture recently alleged that raw milk produced by one of our members as linked to local illnesses despite results of milk tests the member ran as well as tests run by the Department of Health being negative for e-coli, the suspected cause of the illnesses. Later, we learned that the ID Department of Health had just issued a recall of thousands of pounds of beef tainted with e-coli.
Local agencies should involve producers and investigate thoroughly before taking action that could destroy our local farms.
It is not appropriate conduct by a state department of health, or any government agency, to use the court of public opinion rather than a thorough investigation to achieve its goals. Know that you have the power to push back against such dangerous activity and demand accountability.
And know that you have a partner in Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund who will amplify your power and stand by your side in your time of need.
How You Can Help
Expect to hear more about this issue. FTCLDF is exploring further possible actions which will help protect our members, and indeed all small farmers and producers, from inappropriate agency action. We’ll let you know how to add your voice to any calls for action.
