For media inquiries:
Claire Maher • Claire.Maher@FLHealth.gov
Hillsborough County, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), is investigating a listeriosis outbreak associated with a restaurant in Tampa. Five individuals are included in this outbreak, and four reported consuming food from the same restaurant between March 2026 and June 2026
Epidemiologic data and laboratory evidence confirm that China Buffet at 1245 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33612, is likely the source of the outbreak. DOH conducted environmental sampling at the restaurant during an initial assessment with DBPR. Results of the sampling identified the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes. DOH and DBPR have conducted multiple onsite assessments and provided the restaurant with required remediation measures. DOH and DBPR continue to work with the restaurant as the investigation continues.
Most people who consume food contaminated with listeria will not experience a serious illness. Listeria is most likely to cause illness in pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems
Call your health care provider if you consumed food from China Buffet between April 9, 2026, to June 28, 2026, and are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Pregnant women typically experience fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. However, listeria infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection in the newborn.
- Individuals may experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches.
- Symptoms of severe illness usually start one to four weeks after eating food contaminated with listeria but may start as early as the same day or as late as 70 days later.
Listeria can also cause common food poisoning symptoms, including diarrhea and fever. People who experience these symptoms usually recover without treatment
