China Buffet
Last inspected: Dec 19, 2019
100
Score
Across the available record, China Buffet has nine inspections on file, the first dated 2016. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 19, 2019. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings. China Buffet's record stops at Dec 19, 2019, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around three violations to closer to seven violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 19, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 16, 2019
Reinspection
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17 OBSERVED SOME READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS REFRIGERATED MORE THAN 24 HOURS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL APPLICABLE FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #38 NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2352770 ON 12/4/19: 38 - OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND UNDERNEATH THE BUFFET TABLE. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND ICE MACHINE AND ON THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 MOUSE DROPPINGS INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER LEDGE. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS UNDERNEATH THE BUFFET TABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
59
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PREMISES COOKS AND SERVES CHICKEN AND RICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP INTO THE MOP SINK WHEN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IS USED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT THE SINK DOES NOT BACK UP WITH WATER.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 CLEAN THE WALL OF THE FOOD PREP AREA BELOW THE BROILER.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-501.14 CLEAN THE EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON THE PREMISES FOR FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THIS TRAINING.
58
55
Dec 4, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SANITIZER (0 PPM CHLORINE) AT THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AT THE FINAL RINSE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE MACHINE SO THAT 100 PPM CHLORINE IS DETECTED AT THE FINAL RINSE. PRIORITY 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS REFRIGERATED MORE THAN 24 HOURS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL APPLICABLE FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND UNDERNEATH THE BUFFET TABLE. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND ICE MACHINE AND ON THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 MOUSE DROPPINGS INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER LEDGE. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS UNDERNEATH THE BUFFET TABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE WALL OF THE FOOD PREP AREA BELOW THE BROILER.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON THE PREMISES FOR FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THIS TRAINING.
58
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
41
Oct 10, 2017
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR BEHIND AND AROUND THE WATER HEATER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS BEHIND THE DEEP FRYERS WITH HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN. FILTERS ON THE HOOD IN THE COOK LINE WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN
35
90
Oct 3, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: Previous minor violations not corrected from report #2010140 dated 4/11/17. #35- HOLE ON THE WALLS BY THE HALLWAY GOING TO THE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. SEAL THE GAP/HOLE AROUND THE PIPES THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE DINING TABLES IN THE DINING AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7- 42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN, REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP ON THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF ONE OF THE DEEP FRYER(OLD ONE)AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR BEHIND AND AROUND THE WATER HEATER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS BEHIND THE DEEP FRYERS WITH HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN. FILTERS ON THE HOOD IN THE COOK LINE WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN. CEILING VENT COVER INSIDE THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM WITH DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
Apr 11, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL AND DATE ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE ALL GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FROZEN FOODS WITH FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE WALL BASE ALL CORNER NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN. ALL BUCKET WITH FOODS IN THE WALK IN COOLER MUST BE ELEVATED 6" OFF THE FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOLE ON THE WALLS BY THE HALLWAY GOING TO THE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAITAIN. SEAL THE GAP/HOLE AROUND THE PIPES THRU-OUT THE KIRCHEN/PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND PIPES ON THE SIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER WITH HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST REMOVE GREASE AND CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE DINING TABLES IN THE DINING AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
Nov 14, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 4, 2016
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: Found food (ice used for consumption) not protected during service. Found large amounts of black and brown, slimy, mold-like substance throughout upper interior (and on the inner tubing) of ice machine in kitchen area. Ice machine turned off during inspection. Must remove substance, clean and sanitize machine. Must maintain same. Serious violation 7-38-005(a).
16
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: No city of Chicago certified manager on site while potentially hazardous foods (chicken, shrimp, pork, rice, etc.) being prepped and served. Must have a City of Chicago certified manager on site at all times while potentially hazardous foods are being prepped and/or served. Serious violation 7-38-012.
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found all potentially hazardous prepped foods and bulk foods without proper labels. Must label potentially hazardous foods with date, and bulk foods with name. Must maintain same.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Found several bowls stored inside food in reach in cooler, and also in bulk food storage items. Must properly store bowls in separate, clean container or must provide utensils with handles. Must maintain same.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Found heavily soiled cutting board, with deep groves on top of reach in cooler near cooking line. Must replace or resurface. Must maintain same.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Found excessive dust and debris build up on table can opener. Must remove and sanitize. Must maintain same.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Found damaged, unattached lamenant flooring on floor of walk in cooler. Must remove. All surfaces must be smooth, easily cleanable and non-porous. Found several items stored directly on the floor of the walk in cooler, and other areas of the kitchen. Must elevate all items at least 6 inches above the floor to allow proper cleaning. Must maintain all.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Found excessive grease and dust build up on walls and attached piping near wok cooking area. Instructed to remove grease and dust, clean and sanitize this area. Must maintain same.
35
67
Mar 2, 2016
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was China Buffet last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at China Buffet on file is from Dec 19, 2019. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at China Buffet?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at China Buffet.
Has China Buffet's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at China Buffet have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at China Buffet means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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