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The Miri Supermarket, located at 1574 W. 39th Place in Hialeah, has received five orders of suspension of use from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, after multiple and serious violations of hygiene and food safety standards were detected at the establishment.
State inspectors found raw food and unprotected food items, equipment contaminated with food residues, refrigerators that were not maintaining the proper temperature, and a lack of basic washing and disinfection facilities, among other irregularities.
According to the official report -cited by Miami Herald- "all open food processing/distribution equipment and utensils" and "all food equipment and utensils" have been suspended from use.
These actions were carried out by inspectors Francis Odio and Caridad Delgado as part of an inspection conducted last Thursday and published on Tuesday on the department's website.
Although this type of inspection does not imply the immediate closure of the establishment -unlike restaurants, which are regulated by a different state agency- suspension orders can render essential areas or equipment unusable, directly affecting the operation of the business.
Lack of hygiene, contaminated equipment, and food without proper refrigeration
Among the most alarming violations detected at Miri Supermarket, there was a complete lack of sinks in the food processing areas, which hindered the staff's ability to comply with basic personal hygiene standards.
In addition, they did not have the three-compartment sink, an essential tool for the cleaning, rinsing, and manual disinfection of kitchen utensils.
As a direct consequence, the suspension of the use of several food contact equipment was ordered, including a band saw that showed “old food residues embedded,” and a meat slicer with “old residues and accumulated dirt behind the blade.”
No probe thermometers were found to verify that the food was kept at safe temperatures. This resulted in a suspension order for food processing at the establishment.
In the cold storage rooms, open foods were detected such as raw liver, raw beef strips, raw fish, raw pork shoulder, raw beef ribs, and raw bread ready for baking, all without proper protection against cross-contamination.
These products were sanctioned with immediate sales suspension orders.
Refrigerators out of code and spoiled food
The problems extended to the supermarket's refrigeration systems.
The refrigeration units, both in the back room and in the retail area, recorded temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the maximum allowable limit of 41 degrees to ensure the preservation of perishable products.
As a result, foods such as raw chicken breast and pork chops reached internal temperatures between 47 and 50 degrees, prompting authorities to order an immediate suspension of their sale.
Environmental pollution and lack of pest control
The inspection also uncovered serious structural and sanitary deficiencies.
There was an observed "accumulation of black substances similar to mold" on one of the walls in the produce section, as well as "dead flies in the bulk meat refrigerator" and "flying insects throughout all areas" of the supermarket.
Additionally, unprotected foam trays for meat were found, rusty shelves with edible products, and an insect control device hanging directly above the deli slicer, on the same table where open food was being prepared.
Additionally, an employee was caught handling food without having washed their hands beforehand, which is a direct violation of health regulations.
“Water damage to roof panels, missing roof panels, and missing floor panels throughout the establishment” was also reported, which could pose an additional risk of contamination.
Additionally, the establishment was operating without a valid food permit for the year 2025, which further exacerbates its legal situation with the authorities.
What should the supermarket correct to resume operations?
According to the report, the usage suspension orders can only be lifted if the supermarket implements a series of corrections, including:
-Install a three-compartment sink.
-Incorporate chemical disinfectant with test strips.
-Add a functional sink with cold and hot water.
-Use a thin-probe thermometer for temperature control.
A case that raises awareness about food security in the community
Although these types of sanctions do not automatically lead to the closure of the establishment, they do represent a warning sign for consumers and authorities.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services maintains an online portal where the results of these inspections are published, allowing citizens to check the history of each establishment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sanctions on the Hialeah Supermarket
Why was the Miri Supermarket in Hialeah sanctioned?
The Miri Supermarket has been penalized for multiple violations of hygiene and food safety regulations, including raw foods without sanitary protection, contaminated equipment, and refrigerators that did not maintain the appropriate temperature.
What are the most serious violations found in the supermarket?
Among the most alarming violations, there was a complete absence of sinks in the food processing areas, which prevented compliance with basic personal hygiene standards. Equipment was also found with remnants of old food and absent probe thermometers to check safe temperatures.
What consequences does the supermarket face for these violations?
The supermarket has received orders to suspend the use of several essential areas and equipment, which directly affects its operations. Additionally, the sale of spoiled food has been immediately halted.
What should the supermarket do to resume its operations?
To lift the suspension orders, the supermarket must make several corrections, such as installing a three-compartment sink, incorporating chemical disinfectant, and having thin probe thermometers for temperature control.
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