TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- Florida's top health official took to social media to voice his support for residents consuming unpasteurized milk "for potential health benefits and protective factors."

"Floridians have the freedom to make informed health choices," Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo said in a post on X. "I support the decision to consume raw milk when sought for potential health benefits and protective factors. Be aware of your source and know the risks."

Ladapo's comments come just days after the Florida Department of Health reported that 21 people - including six children under age 10 - were sickened by E. coli infections connected to a raw milk producer in New Smyrna Beach. Seven people have been hospitalized since January.

Florida law requires raw milk to be labelled as

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