TAMPA — Tampa residents who ate at China Buffet, 1245 E. Fowler Ave., between April 9 and June 28 should watch for symptoms and contact a health care provider. State public health officials announced an investigation Friday after epidemiologic and laboratory evidence linked a listeriosis outbreak to the restaurant.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH), working with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), said five people are part of the outbreak. Four of those individuals reported eating food from China Buffet between March and June, and officials said testing and case tracing confirmed the restaurant as the source.
What the agencies did and what residents should know
DOH said investigators visited the restaurant and collected samples as part of an initial assessment with DBPR.
DOH said it "conducted environmental sampling at the restaurant during an initial assessment with DBPR."
Health officials emphasized that most people who ingest Listeria-contaminated food do not become seriously ill. However, certain groups face greater risk for severe outcomes, including pregnant women and their newborns, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems.
- Number of confirmed cases linked to the restaurant: 5
- Restaurant under investigation: China Buffet, 1245 E. Fowler Ave.
- Exposure window of concern: April 9 to June 28
Symptoms can vary. Pregnant people often report fever, fatigue and muscle aches, and infection during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or severe neonatal infection. In others, Listeria can cause headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions on top of fever and muscle aches. Less severe cases may present with diarrhea and fever and commonly resolve without treatment.
Timing, testing and next steps for the investigation
DOH and DBPR are continuing the probe and coordinating with the restaurant. The agencies have not released details about any closures, recalls or corrective actions beyond environmental sampling. Residents who believe they were exposed and are experiencing symptoms are urged to seek medical attention promptly and tell clinicians about the potential exposure.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Confirmed cases | 5 |
| Location | China Buffet, 1245 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa |
| Exposure period reported | April 9–June 28 (of concern) |
Public health officials will provide updates as the investigation proceeds. For now, the DOH message to Tampa Bay residents is clear: if you ate at China Buffet during the specified period and feel unwell, contact your health care provider and mention potential Listeria exposure so appropriate testing and treatment can be arranged.
News Block will monitor updates from DOH and DBPR and report new developments affecting Tampa residents.
