Health Inspectors Discover Mold-Like Substances and Expired Food at Hialeah Sedano’s Location
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services inspectors recently reported significant sanitation and food safety violations at a Sedano’s Supermarket in Hialeah. The inspection, conducted at the 2301 W. 52nd St. location, resulted in a “Re-Inspection Required” status after officials discovered issues ranging from temperature abuse to cleanliness failures in food processing areas.
During the visit, inspectors Caridad Delgado and Wenndy Ayerdis identified “black, mold-like grime” deeply encrusted into the groove and cut marks of a cutting board situated next to an oven in the food processing area. This finding led to an immediate Stop Use Order for the equipment. A similar substance was reportedly found on the interior ledge and ice dispenser of an ice machine, raising further concerns regarding equipment sanitation.
The report detailed multiple instances of food temperature violations, a critical factor in preventing foodborne illness. In the food service area, items including cream cheese, a gallon of milk, and containers of sliced ham and cheese were found stored in a reach-in cooler at temperatures between 50 and 53 degrees Fahrenheit. State regulations require such perishable items to be maintained at or below 41 degrees. These items were issued Stop Sale orders and removed from sale.
Inspectors also flagged “old food” in the deli area. Packages of Kretschmar Olive Loaf and USA Ham Latin Ham were found in a reach-in cooler past the seven-day safety limit for open deli meats, with some items held for eight to nine days. These products were also subject to Stop Sale orders and discarded. Additionally, the inspection noted improper storage practices, such as frozen pastelitos stored in direct contact with plastic shopping bags inside a chest freezer, rather than in food-grade packaging.
While the “Re-Inspection Required” grade indicates unsatisfactory conditions, it differs from restaurant inspections conducted by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which can immediately shut down an establishment. Grocery stores inspected by the Department of Agriculture generally remain open while correcting violations, though inspectors possess the authority to issue Stop Use Orders on specific equipment and Stop Sale orders on unsafe products to mitigate immediate risks.
Management at the Hialeah location took immediate corrective actions on several violations during the inspection, including discarding the out-of-temperature and expired food items. The store is scheduled for a follow-up inspection on or before February 7 to ensure all remaining issues, particularly regarding equipment cleanliness and storage protocols, have been permanently resolved.
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