Customers at a Hialeah grocery store were forced to throw away recently purchased food items after Florida health inspectors discovered widespread temperature control failures that left dairy products, meats, and prepared foods in the "danger zone" for bacterial growth.
On November 3, 2025, Florida Department of Agriculture inspectors conducted a focused inspection at Food Mart & Dollar Store, located at 6886 NW 169th Street in the Hialeah Gardens area near Palmetto Lakes. The store, which serves the predominantly Hispanic community in this densely populated neighborhood just west of Miami, failed critical temperature controls that prompted immediate action to protect public health and resulted in the voluntary destruction of hundreds of dollars worth of potentially contaminated food products.
Serious Health Implications for Consumers
Medical Analysis: Temperature abuse of this magnitude poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations including children, elderly residents, and those with compromised immune systems. Emergency medical professionals report that foodborne illness cases often require hospitalization when contaminated dairy or processed meats are consumed.
- Salmonella Poisoning - Common in eggs and dairy products stored above 41°F
- Listeria monocytogenes - Deadly bacteria that thrives in deli meats and dairy
- E. coli contamination - Can cause severe illness, especially in children
- Clostridium perfringens - Food poisoning bacteria in prepared foods
- Staphylococcus aureus - Rapid multiplication in temperature-abused dairy products
— Emergency Medical Analysis
Critical Temperature Violations Discovered
Inspector Caridad Delgado found multiple critical violations when she tested food temperatures using a calibrated probe thermometer. The most serious discovery involved a reach-in cooler that was supposed to keep perishable foods cold but was operating at dangerously high temperatures.
"Cold held time/temperature control for safety food not maintained at 41°F or below"
Florida Statute 3-501.16(A)(2)
"Equipment not maintained in good repair or condition"
Equipment unable to maintain safe temperatures
Products Found in Danger Zone
The contaminated cooler contained a wide variety of popular grocery items that families rely on for daily meals. All of these products had to be immediately removed from sale and destroyed:
- Fresh Turkey - Deli meat at 46-48°F
- Milk Gallons - Multiple brands affected
- Eggs - Refrigerated eggs in danger zone
- Lunchables - Popular children's lunch products
- Cream Cheese - Dairy products at unsafe temps
- Hot Dogs - Processed meat products
- Caesar Salad Kits - Fresh prepared foods
- American Cheese - Sliced cheese products
— Inspector Caridad Delgado, Florida Department of Agriculture
Equipment Failures Compound Problems
The inspection revealed that the store's refrigeration equipment was in serious disrepair, creating a systematic failure that affected multiple food storage areas. Two separate cooling units required immediate shutdown:
• True Brand Reach-in Cooler - Stop Use Order #350906
• Haier Reach-in Cooler - Previously failed, now released after repair
• Walk-in Cooler - Previously under Stop Use Order, now operational
Legal Consequences and Consumer Rights
Legal Analysis: The violations documented at Food Mart & Dollar Store carry serious legal implications under Florida law, and affected customers may have grounds for civil action if they suffered illness from contaminated products.
Operating with equipment that cannot maintain safe food temperatures constitutes a violation of food safety laws. The Department can impose fines up to $5,000 and seek administrative action to suspend food operations.
Under Florida Statute 500.04, consumers have the right to safe food products. When establishments fail to maintain proper temperatures, they may be liable for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The store's history of refrigeration failures (equipment under Stop Use Orders since November 2023) could indicate negligence, which strengthens potential civil liability claims.
Immediate Actions Required
The Florida Department of Agriculture took swift action to ensure customer safety and prevent further sales of potentially contaminated products. The store management cooperated fully with the inspection and agreed to voluntary destruction of affected items.
Food Mart & Dollar Store must contact the state Business Center at (850) 245-5520 or email FoodSafety@FDACS.gov when repairs are completed to request a follow-up inspection before the True reach-in cooler can be returned to service.
Understanding Food Temperature Safety
The temperature range between 40°F and 140°F is known as the "danger zone" where bacteria can double every 20 minutes. Foods stored above 41°F for extended periods can develop dangerous levels of bacteria that cause food poisoning, even if the food looks and smells normal.
This incident highlights the critical importance of proper refrigeration in retail food establishments and the ongoing vigilance required to protect public health.