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FSIS ALERT: Listeria in Ready-to-Eat Meals - Emergency Guide for Miami Restaurants

Updated: Oct 12

BREAKING: What Miami Restaurants Need to Know NOW

WASHINGTON, September 25, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a critical public health alert for ready-to-eat meals containing FDA-regulated pre-cooked pasta that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).

If your Miami restaurant serves ready-to-eat meals or uses pre-cooked pasta, this alert directly affects your operation.


Understanding the Listeria Threat

Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous foodborne pathogen that can cause serious illness and even death. Unlike many bacteria, Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures, making it particularly challenging for food service establishments to control.

High-Risk Populations Include:

  • Pregnant women and their newborns

  • Adults 65 and older

  • People with weakened immune systems

  • Anyone with underlying health conditions

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Immediate Actions for Miami Restaurants

1. Inventory Check - Do This NOW

  • Review all ready-to-eat meals in your inventory

  • Check any products containing pre-cooked pasta

  • Look for FDA-regulated pasta suppliers

  • Document lot numbers and expiration dates


Prevention: The Best Defense Against Foodborne Illness

This FSIS alert highlights why proper food safety training is not optional for Miami restaurants. Food handlers who understand pathogen control, HACCP principles, and proper storage procedures are your first line of defense.


Is Your Miami Restaurant Prepared?

Ask yourself these critical questions:

  • Are all your food handlers certified?

  • Do you have a current HACCP plan?

  • Can your staff identify foodborne illness risks?

  • Do you have protocols for food safety emergencies?

If you answered "no" or "unsure" to any of these questions, your restaurant is at risk.


Take Action: Protect Your Business and Customers

The FSIS alert is a wake-up call for every food service establishment in Miami. Don't wait for the next contamination scare to affect your business.

Every day your staff operates without proper certification puts your business at risk. The cost of a foodborne illness outbreak far exceeds the investment in proper training.

Contact Safefoodhandler Miami today at (305) 937-2273 or visit www.safefoodhandler.org to schedule immediate Food Handler Certification for your team.

 
 
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