ProPublica: California toddler nearly died after drinking raw goat milk with E. coli

A 17-month-old California toddler nearly died and required intensive hospital treatment after drinking unpasteurized goat milk contaminated with E. coli, according to an investigative report published by ProPublica.

Key Clinical Takeaways:
• Unpasteurized goat milk sold by an unlicensed California farm was linked to severe E. coli infections in two young children.
• Public health officials note that raw milk carries vastly higher pathogen risks than pasteurized alternatives, despite rising consumer demand driven by social media trends.

The Hospitalization of Brooklyn Marris

In January 2025, Emily Marris sought an alternative to infant formula and store-bought cow milk for her 17-month-old daughter, Brooklyn, who was suffering from constipation. Prompted by a recommendation in a Facebook group shared by her chiropractor, Marris contacted an unlicensed dairy known as Moonlight Ridge. The farm’s 23-year-old owner, Courtney Baker, provided unlabeled, warm raw goat milk directly to the family.

For six months, Brooklyn consumed the milk without apparent issue. On June 2, 2025, the toddler began vomiting aggressively, progressing from yellow bile to blue-green.

Brooklyn suffered cardiac arrest three times during her medical crisis. She required a ventilator for breathing and dialysis to support failing kidneys.

California Regulators Investigate Moonlight Ridge Raw Goat Milk

While Brooklyn fought for her life in the pediatric intensive care unit, another local family faced a similar nightmare. Navy veterans Iris and David Galindo had purchased raw goat milk from Moonlight Ridge for their 6-year-old daughter, Victoria.

State regulators from the California Department of Food and Agriculture opened an inquiry after receiving medical records and text message evidence from Emily Marris. On June 17, 2025, an undercover investigator messaged the farm’s Facebook account to purchase a gallon of milk, confirming that the unlicensed dairy was actively selling product for human consumption. Under California law, selling raw milk without a state license can lead to fines up to $10,000 and up to a year in jail.

Raw Milk Increases Foodborne Illness Risks

Public health authorities emphasize that raw milk—meaning unpasteurized—undergoes no heat processing to kill off pathogens. Infectious disease specialists note that pathogens can contaminate unpasteurized milk via environmental vectors, including cow feces on udders or the farmer’s hands.

Epidemiological data demonstrates that people are 100 times more likely to get a foodborne illness from drinking raw milk compared to pasteurized milk. Despite these documented clinical risks, unpasteurized milk has experienced a surge in popularity across the United States, propelled by digital forums where unproven nutritional benefits are shared.

When informed of Brooklyn’s diagnosis by her mother in early June 2025, farm owner Courtney Baker asserted in text messages that her milk testing results showed nothing abnormal, though she later admitted she did not test specifically for E. coli. Baker subsequently stated to ProPublica that the farm would fully defend against allegations brought by plaintiffs.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.