Florida Mom's Lawsuit Against Dairy Farm Over Raw Milk Illness Dismissed

Woman claimed raw milk led to her baby's death during pregnancy, but case has now been thrown out

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A Florida woman who sued a dairy farm after claiming raw milk she purchased led to her baby's death during pregnancy has had her lawsuit dismissed, according to new court records. The woman, identified as Rachel Maddox, said she contracted Campylobacter bacteria from the raw milk, which then caused her to become severely ill with sepsis. Her unborn son later died as a result. However, the case has now been voluntarily dismissed, with no explanation provided for the decision.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the safety of raw milk and the legal liability for dairy farms that sell it. While some consumers prefer raw milk for its perceived health benefits, it also carries greater risks of foodborne illness that can have severe consequences, as seen in this tragic situation.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Maddox purchased raw milk from a store in Longwood, Florida in June 2025 while she was pregnant. The milk came from Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach. Maddox said the milk's label indicated it was 'for consumption by animals,' but she was told that was a technical requirement to sell 'farm milk.' Maddox then gave the raw milk to her toddler, who became ill with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Tests showed the toddler had contracted Campylobacter bacteria, which Maddox said she then also contracted from cleaning up after him. Maddox's fetus later died, and she was diagnosed with the life-threatening condition sepsis.

  • In June 2025, Maddox purchased raw milk from a store in Longwood, Florida.
  • Maddox's toddler became ill after drinking the raw milk, testing positive for Campylobacter bacteria.
  • Maddox contracted the Campylobacter bacteria from caring for her sick toddler, and her fetus later died.
  • Maddox filed a lawsuit against Keely Farms Dairy last year over the incident.
  • On February 13, 2026, the lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed according to new court records.

The players

Rachel Maddox

A Florida woman who purchased raw milk from a local store that was sourced from Keely Farms Dairy, and later lost her unborn baby and became severely ill after contracting Campylobacter bacteria.

Keely Farms Dairy

A dairy farm in New Smyrna Beach, Florida that was the source of the raw milk purchased by Maddox, and had previously been linked to multiple cases of E. coli and Campylobacter illnesses from its raw milk products.

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What they’re saying

“I contracted the bacteria from cleaning up the diarrhea and vomiting. As a mom, you get a lot of stuff on you when your kid is sick, and I became ill by contracting the bacteria that way.”

— Rachel Maddox (News 6)

“I became very ill — and I mean the sickest I've ever been in my life. I came really close to dying, and our (unborn) son did die. The doctors told me that I was lucky to be alive.”

— Rachel Maddox (News 6)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing risks and legal debates around the sale and consumption of raw milk, which some consumers prefer but can also lead to severe illness and even death, as seen in this tragic situation where a pregnant woman lost her unborn child after contracting bacteria from raw milk.