China Buffet
Last inspected: Dec 8, 2025
43
Score
Inspectors have visited China Buffet 13 times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent visit was on Dec 8, 2025. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around six violations, down from roughly 14 violations earlier in the record.
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
By comparison, the average Hialeah facility scores 76, putting China Buffet on the weaker side. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
13
Inspections
3
Critical latest
0
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 8, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over salad in reach in cooler, operator properly stored it. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed chicken wings (112F - Hot Holding) on buffet line, for less than 4 hours as per operator, operator reheated at 178°F. **Corrected On-Site**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
29-42-4
Basic - Bathroom facility not clean.
32-07-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed cell phone on shelves above preparation table.
40-06-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Walk in freezer floor.
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil container on kitchen floor. Operator properly stored it. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed thawing shrimp in standing water on three compartment sink.
06-01-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed multiple wet wiping towels on top of preparation table, operator stored in chlorine sanitizer solution of 100 ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Salt, sugar, MSG. Operator properly labeled it. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
43
Jul 10, 2025
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food storage, rice, flour container lid cracked or broken. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Observed food storage, rice, flour container lid cracked or broken. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-09: Still observed **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-10: Still observed **Time Extended**
14-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Observed reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-09: Still observed **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-10: Still observed. **Time Extended**
14-33-4
90
Jul 9, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately 12 live roaches inside a non-working reach in cooler located across the cook line in the kitchen. Also observed one live roach crawling on an open lid of a reach cooler located across from the cook line area. Observed one live roach crawling on the kitchen floor in front of walk in cooler door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: At the time of callback inspection observed one live roach crawling on the kitchen wall behind the double door vertical reach in cooler. Also one live roach crawling on the wall above three compartment sink. **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-09: At the of callback inspection 2 live roaches crawling on the wall under hand sink located at the hibachi station. **Time Extended**
35A-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food storage, rice, flour container lid cracked or broken. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Observed food storage, rice, flour container lid cracked or broken. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-09: Still observed **Time Extended**
14-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Multiple hole in the wall all thoughtout the kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: At the time of callback inspection observed multiple hole in the wall all thoughtout the kitchen. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-09: Still observed. **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Above cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Still observed **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-09: Still observed **Time Extended**
38-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Observed reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-09: Still observed **Time Extended**
14-33-4
70
Jul 8, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 11 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed vertical reach in cooler chicken breast (47F - Cold Holding); raw fish (48F - Cold Holding) for more than 4 hours as per operator. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: At the time of callback inspection observed in vertical reach in cooler chicken wings (48°F - Cold Holding); raw fish (48F - Cold Holding) sweet plantain (46°F-Cold holding). For more than 4 hours as per operator. **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher machine with chlorine sanitation solution of 0 ppm, operator set up the three compartment sink with chlorine of 100 ppm. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: At the time of callback inspection observed dishwasher machine with chlorine sanitation solution of 0 ppm. **Time Extended**
22-41-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately 12 live roaches inside a non-working reach in cooler located across the cook line in the kitchen. Also observed one live roach crawling on an open lid of a reach cooler located across from the cook line area. Observed one live roach crawling on the kitchen floor in front of walk in cooler door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: At the time of callback inspection observed one live roach crawling on the kitchen wall behind the double door vertical reach in cooler. Also one live roach crawling on the wall above three compartment sink. **Admin Complaint**
35A-05-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed vertical reach in cooler chicken breast (47F - Cold Holding); raw fish (48F - Cold Holding) for more than 4 hours as per operator. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Stop sale issues. At the time of callback inspection observed in vertical reach in cooler chicken wings (48°F - Cold Holding); raw fish (48F - Cold Holding) sweet plantain (46°F-Cold holding). For more than 4 hours as per operator. **Admin Complaint**
01B-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom facility not clean. Observed employee bathroom soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Still observed **Time Extended**
32-07-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach on beverage station area floor. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: At the time of callback inspection observed 2 dead roaches on kitchen floor, one dead roaches on beverage station counter. **Admin Complaint**
35A-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on the hibachi station floor. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: At the time of callback inspection observed standing water on the hibachi station floor. **Time Extended**
36-22-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. All thoughtout the kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Still observed **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food storage, rice, flour container lid cracked or broken. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Observed food storage, rice, flour container lid cracked or broken. **Time Extended**
14-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Multiple hole in the wall all thoughtout the kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: At the time of callback inspection observed multiple hole in the wall all thoughtout the kitchen. **Time Extended**
36-24-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Above cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Still observed **Time Extended**
38-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Observed reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Time Extended**
22-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Observed reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface **Time Extended**
14-33-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. All thoughtout the kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Still observed **Time Extended**
36-27-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt, sugar, Msg container with no label on cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-08: Still observed **Time Extended**
02D-01-5
32
Jul 7, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 16 minor violations.
View 21 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher machine with chlorine sanitation solution of 0 ppm, operator set up the three compartment sink with chlorine of 100 ppm. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately 12 live roaches inside a non-working reach in cooler located across the cook line in the kitchen. Also observed one live roach crawling on an open lid of a reach cooler located across from the cook line area. Observed one live roach crawling on the kitchen floor in front of walk in cooler door. **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed vertical reach in cooler chicken breast (47F - Cold Holding); raw fish (48F - Cold Holding) for more than 4 hours as per operator. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed vertical reach in cooler chicken breast (47F - Cold Holding); raw fish (48F - Cold Holding) for more than 4 hours as per operator. **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed metal sponge stored inside hand sink. Operator removed it. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Basic - Bathroom facility not clean. Observed employee bathroom soiled. **Warning**
32-07-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic bowl inside rice stored container. Operator removed it, **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach on beverage station area floor. **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on the hibachi station floor. **Warning**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. All thoughtout the kitchen. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Food storage, rice, flour container lid cracked or broken. **Warning**
14-38-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed oil container on kitchen floor, bags of onions and carrot on walk in cooler floor. Operator properly stored it. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Multiple hole in the wall all thoughtout the kitchen. **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Operator properly stored it. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-08-5
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Above cook line. **Warning**
38-01-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hand sink soil. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning**
14-33-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. All thoughtout the kitchen. **Warning**
36-27-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt, sugar, Msg container with no label on cook line. **Warning**
02D-01-5
22
Dec 18, 2024
Routine - Food
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Walk in freezer floor soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-18: Still observed **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of raw chicken on walk in freezer floor. Operator properly stored it. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-18: Still observed **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed exterior of kitchen equipment, paper towels device, walk in cooler fan cover soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-18: Still observed **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-18: Still observed **Time Extended**
14-33-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-18: Still observed **Time Extended**
22-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-18: Still observed **Time Extended**
42-01-4
74
Dec 10, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
41
Jul 19, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
41
Feb 28, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw beef on reach in cooler, operator properly stored it. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.
22-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed filter soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-33-4
70
Sep 25, 2023
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: Still observed **Time Extended**
14-33-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt, msg, sugar without label. Operator properly labeled it. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-09-25: Still observed **Time Extended**
02D-01-5
90
Jul 13, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher machine with chlorine sanitation solutions of 0 ppm. Operator set up the three compartment sink with chlorine sanitation solutions of 100 ppm. **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed fried chicken (122°F - Hot Holding); cooked shrimp (111°F - Hot Holding) at the buffet station for less than 4 hours as per operator. Operator reheated at 165°F. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Emailed the form to operator, operator printed and posted. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed metal sponge inside hand wash sink located in the kitchen. Operator removed it. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed clean plate no inverted at the buffet station. **Warning**
24-05-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bags of carrots, bags of onions on walk in cooler floor. Operator properly stored it. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed filter, soap and paper dispenser soiled. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Warning**
14-33-4
Basic - Walk -in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed salt, msg, sugar without label. Operator properly labeled it. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02D-01-5
43
Oct 21, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
32
Aug 10, 2022
Complaint Full
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed shelves of food preparation table, inside walk in cooler door surface has rust. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-10: At time of call back inspection observed food preparation table, inside walk in cooler door surface has rust **Time Extended**
22-31-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards are soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-10: At time of call back inspection observed cutting boards are soiled. **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed in the dining room area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-10: At time of call back inspection observed ceiling tiles shows damage in the dining area. **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dining room and kitchen floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-10: At time of call back inspection observed dining room floor is clean. *Complied* At time of call back inspection observed kitchen floor has accumulation of dust, grease and old food debris. **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-10: At time of call back inspection observed exterior door has a gap. **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed stove, deep fryer, and rice cooker has accumulation of grease, and dust. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-10: At time of call back inspection observed stove, deep fryer, and rice cooker has accumulation of grease, and dust. **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed in the kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-10: At time of call back inspection observed light shield is damaged . **Time Extended**
38-01-4
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was China Buffet last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at China Buffet on file is from Dec 8, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at China Buffet?
Across the inspection record, “floor soiled/has accumulation of debris” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at China Buffet.
How does China Buffet compare to other restaurants in Hialeah?
China Buffet most recently scored 43 out of 100, which is lower than the Hialeah average of 76.
Has China Buffet's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at China Buffet have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly 14 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at China Buffet means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is China Buffet inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, China Buffet is inspected around four times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants