In July 2025, Hillside Homestead, a small family-run dairy in Vermont, recalled all its unpasteurized goat milk after several local children were diagnosed with Campylobacter jejuni infections. The illnesses, which caused severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever, were traced back to raw milk purchased between July 1 and July 15.
Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrheal illness in the United States. While many cases resolve on their own, severe infections may require antibiotics, and complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome can occur. Young children are particularly vulnerable, making this outbreak especially troubling.
Officials emphasized that pasteurization would have eliminated the risk, but raw milk continues to be marketed under the guise of being “natural” or “farm-fresh.” The truth is that it provides no nutritional benefits over pasteurized milk but carries far greater risk. Families who purchased milk from Hillside Homestead were urged to discard any remaining product, clean containers thoroughly, and seek medical advice if symptoms developed.
For those affected, keeping receipts and medical documentation is essential. Firms like Ron Simon & Associates, which investigate raw milk outbreaks, can help determine if improper sanitation, contaminated equipment, or regulatory failures played a role.
This outbreak is a sobering reminder that “back-to-the-farm” romanticism can come at a steep price. The safest way to enjoy dairy—whether cow, goat, or sheep—is pasteurized. The Vermont recall shows what can happen when safety shortcuts are taken, even on small local farms.
