China Buffet
Last inspected: Aug 25, 2025
26
Score
The health department has logged 15 inspections at China Buffet, the earliest from 2022. On Aug 25, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 12 violations to closer to 10 violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “no soap provided at handwash sink” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
Restaurants in Tampa average 79, so China Buffet trails the local norm. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
15
Inspections
3
Critical latest
4
Major latest
10
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 25, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 17 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. Dishwasher has an empty bottle of chlorine connected to it. Manager connected new bucket of chlorine to dishwasher. **Repeat Violation**
22-41-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored overtop raw fish inside walk in cooler. Manager removed and properly stored chicken.
08A-20-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. Sushi held on time as a public health control on front buffet has no time markings.
03F-02-5
Intermediate - Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer. Empty bucket of chlorine connected to dishwasher. **Repeat Violation**
16-33-4
Intermediate - Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days. **Repeat Violation**
01C-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No handwashing soap at handwashing sink in kitchen area by fryer station. Manager placed soap at handwashing sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - No tag on/for original container of raw, in-shell clams/mussels/oysters. No tags for raw oyster inside walk in cooler. Spoke with manager all fresh raw oysters must be cooked before serving. **Repeat Violation**
01C-01-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine by back door is soiled.
22-20-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on reach in cooler cutting board on cooks line. Employee drink stored in same pan as raw crab.
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Employee drink from a coke with no lid on cooks line.
12B-12-5
Basic - Fly sticky tape hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. 4 fly sticky tapes hanging from ceiling in kitchen area.
35B-08-4
Basic - Food stored in undrained ice. Shrimp inside walk in cooler in sitting water. Manager drained water from shrimp. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-31-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bucket of potatoes, soy sauce stored in floor inside walk in cooler . **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in white freezer in food preparation area.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Spoon stored in standing water on front buffet line. Manager removed and placed spoon at dishwasher. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters have buildup of grease overtop flattop grill and fryers.
23-03-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sauces removed from original containers and placed in clear bottles has no labeling of ingredients throughout kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
26
Apr 2, 2025
Complaint Partial
1 critical violation. 2 major violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shrimp over ready to eat bread and green beans in walk in cooler.
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee picked trash up off the floor then proceeded to wash his hands in food preparation sink. Had a conversation about proper handwashing procedures. Employee washed his hand in appropriate sink. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-03-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwashing sink has lids stored inside it. Owner removed lids and placed at dishwasher. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
70
Mar 17, 2025
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
26
Feb 11, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Establishment unable to be licensed at time of licensing inspection from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ Establishment has compliance violations to comply before being able to be issued license. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-11: Unable to license at time of callback inspection **Admin Complaint**
50-08-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Freezer extended, added storage room next to water heater, dishwasher moved to other side of kitchen near office, hand wash sink removed near 3 compartment sink near dry storage and moved across from 3 compartment sink. 3 compartment sink added next to walk in cooler. Bakers section converted to server station for serving soda. Total 7 buffet tables added. Ceiling not smooth and easily cleanable above buffet tables. Oven removed near side kitchen area toward right of establishment. Server nook added across from register, with ice machine and hand sink added. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-02-11: No new plan submitted yet. Provided plan review application to operator at time of inspection. **Admin Complaint**
51-16-7
78
Nov 26, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Establishment unable to be licensed at time of licensing inspection from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Operator must obtain a public food service license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within 60 days. Submit a license application and payment to DBPR/Bureau of Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. To apply online or obtain an application for license visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/ Establishment has compliance violations to comply before being able to be issued license. **Warning**
50-08-7
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray cleaner above plates. **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Freezer extended, added storage room next to water heater, dishwasher moved to other side of kitchen near office, hand wash sink removed near 3 compartment sink near dry storage and moved across from 3 compartment sink. 3 compartment sink added next to walk in cooler. Bakers section converted to server station for serving soda. Total 7 buffet tables added. Ceiling not smooth and easily cleanable above buffet tables. Oven removed near side kitchen area toward right of establishment. Server nook added across from register, with ice machine and hand sink added. **Warning**
51-16-7
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Ceiling above buffet area, acoustic tile. **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Ceiling tile missing above beer cooler. **Warning**
36-36-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. White cutting board on prep station **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Water bottle sprayer not labeled. **Warning**
02D-01-5
55
Jan 31, 2024
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 19 minor violations.
View 26 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Canned Mandarin Oranges - Winners - 6LBS Canned Sliced Peaches - Fi Hood - 6LBS Operator discard at time of inspection.
01B-01-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken above raw pork in walk in cooler. Raw chicken above raw broccoli. Operator moved to approved location. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Zippo brand lighter fluid stored above reach in freezer next to hand sink at entrance. Operator move to approved location. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels in employee bathroom near dish area. No towels at hand sink front buffet. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap back hand sink near walk in cooler. Operator provided soap at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
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. Provided operator with clean up and diarrheal procedure plan.
11-27-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/. Manager arrived halfway through inspection. 6 employees at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
53A-05-6
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine near back door next to walk in freezer soiled, operator began cleaning at time of inspection. Cutting boards soiled. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Discussed with operator how to obtain license.
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. Canned Mandarin Oranges - Winners - 6LBS Canned Sliced Peaches - Fi Hood - 6LBS Operator discarded at time of inspection.
08B-20-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 5 dead roaches on bucket next to hand sink near dish pit ontop of empty bucket 3 dead roaches in dessert storage area 1 dead roach under soda concentrate in back dish area Operator discarded bucket. Operator cleaned and sanitized at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed open employee drink on prep table in back. Discussed with operator at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees in back kitchen area with no hair restraints.
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Metal pans in back dish area wet nesting, discussed with operator.
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Handle of M3 Turbo Air freezer handle in disrepair. Walk in cooler doesn't close, establishment uses bucket to keep door closed.**Repeat Violation** **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor throughout establishment. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Cracked tiles/ missing tiles throughout establishment in back kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Oil and soy sauce stored on ground. Frozen fish in back walk in freezer stored on ground. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Towel under cutting board in kitchen. Wet wiping clothes stored on prep table on cooks line.
21-04-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. No choking poster posted, emailed operator educational packet containing choking poster. **Repeat Violation**
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filter soiled back prep area. Hood filter soiled front prep area over grill.
23-03-4
Basic - Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. Woman's restroom near entrance. Discussed with operator. **Repeat Violation**
36-64-5
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in reach in cooler on cook line (far left)
29-49-6
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Employee bathroom has leaky faucet that cannot be turned off.
29-11-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mop in front kitchen area not stored to dry.
42-01-4
17
Oct 31, 2023
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Mussels cold holding on buffet at 71F. Stop sale issued.
01B-02-5
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 operator body fluid clean up sign. **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No person in charge present during hours of operation. No person in charge at time of inspection.
53A-11-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand washing sink by dishwasher. **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. No date markers on food prep in the past24 hours inside walk in cooler.
02C-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine has buildup of black-mold like substance.
22-20-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on food preparation table in back kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets are torn inside reach in cooler on cooks line. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor underneath 3 compartment sink **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles missing throughout kitchen area.
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Soy sauce stored on floor in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. **Repeat Violation**
51-13-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available.
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket inside reach in cooler on cooks line are soiled with old food debris. Hood filters have buildup of grease. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. Objectionable odor when entering restaurant. **Repeat Violation**
36-64-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves have buildup of rust. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
33
Aug 9, 2023
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 22 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Dented can of water chestnuts.
01B-01-4
High Priority - Employee washed hands with no soap. Employee washed hand without using soap. Owner had employee rewashed hands with soap. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-20-4
High Priority - In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Utensils stored in water at 88F. Owner discarded water. **Corrected On-Site**
10-05-5
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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Emailed operator employee health agreement.
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No hand washing soap hand washing sink by food preparation table.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. No dates on any food inside walk in cooler.
02C-02-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on food preparation table.
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Employee drinking from open container.
12B-12-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. 3 compartment sink is set up wash,sanitized,rinse.
16-13-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets inside reach in cooler on cooks line are torn.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor and wall junctures not coved in food preparation/storage/warewashing areas or bathroom. Cove molding in disrepair throughout kitchen area.
36-08-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on floor in front of dishwasher.
36-22-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles missing throughout kitchen area.
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Craw fish stored on floor inside walk in cooler.
08B-38-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Gave operator physical copy of choking poster.
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters have buildup of dust overtop ovens and fryer. Gaskets inside reach in cooler on cooks line have buildup of black-mold like substance.
23-03-4
Basic - Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. Objectionable odors when entering restaurant. **Repeat Violation**
36-64-5
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Green onions and peppers not washed before preparation. Owner had staff wash produce. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-39-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves have buildup of rust.
14-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall left side of cooks line is soiled with old food debris.
36-27-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Wet mop sitting on floor. Owner removed and properly stored mop. **Corrected On-Site**
42-01-4
20
May 10, 2023
Complaint Full
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Tile missing over dish machine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-10: Tile missing over dish machine. **Time Extended**
36-36-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Hole next to sprinkler system in dry storage area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-10: Hole next to sprinkler system in dry storage area. **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Three small white cans with no lids. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-10: Three small white cans with no lids. **Time Extended**
32-12-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris in dry storage room. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-10: Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris in dry storage room. **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-10: Floors not maintained smooth and durable in kitchen. **Time Extended**
36-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Walk in cooler missing ambient thermometer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-10: Walk in cooler missing ambient thermometer. **Time Extended**
05-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Objectionable odors in bathroom and dry storage area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-10: Objectionable odors in bathroom and dry storage. **Time Extended**
36-64-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Stored food not covered. Flour and sugar in dry storage area uncovered. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-10: Flour and sugar in dry storage area uncovered. **Time Extended**
08B-12-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Orange rags on food prep table. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-10: Orange rags on food prep table. **Time Extended**
21-12-4
64
Feb 14, 2023
Complaint Full
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand wash sink at sushi bar.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink near dish washer.
31B-03-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding broken in woman's bathroom. Hole in wall near employee break table near service station Room behind dessert buffet has hole
36-03-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Chicken buckets on floor of freezer. Employee placed items on shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
14-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Grease build up on hood.
23-03-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Grease build up on hood.
36-50-4
Basic - Objectionable odors in women's bathroom.
36-64-5
64
Jan 19, 2023
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Procedures for Responding to Vomiting/Diarrheal Events
FL-05
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
33
Jan 4, 2023
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
64
Nov 17, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over pork in walk in cooler closest to dish machine. Employee repositioned bins. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Chopped green onion discarded due to a broken egg shell being mixed. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Operator explained that he puts the time on a note pad. Had operator update time as a public health control procedure. **Corrective Action Taken**
03F-02-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Soap missing at handwash sink at dish machine. Employee placed a new soap bottle at sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Raw or undercooked oysters offered and establishment has no consumer advisory sign provided on wall, menu, placard, table tent or by any other written means. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Printed out sign and had operator post. **Corrected On-Site**
02A-01-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle with pink liquid inside unlabeled. Manager labeled bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine has black build up inside machine.
22-20-5
Basic - Bathroom facility not clean.
32-07-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding missing around dry storage. Tiles throughout kitchen are missing.
36-03-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting boards throughout kitchen grooved.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Water bottles on prep table. Employee discarded of water bottles. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Tiles throughout kitchen are missing causing the floor to not be smooth and easily cleanable.
36-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Freezer near back door has buckets of chicken and dish on floor. Employee put food on shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Pipe missing from sink in handicap stall.
29-08-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Flour bins missing top in dry storage. **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet wiping cloths on cook line cutting board. Employee removed cloths. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
29
Sep 20, 2022
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
50
Aug 11, 2022
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw chicken temped at 51F, employee stated that item had been in the refrigerator from the previous day. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-11: Items placed into walk in cooler near cook line the previous day 8/10, temped 8/11 at 3:50, Potato salad 47F Imitation crab meat 47F Mushroom Marsala 47F. **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Sweet and sour chicken on the buffet line temped at 103F. Employee had cook reheat chicken. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-11: Fried chicken 123F. Operator had employee remove chicken to reheat for table. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-11: No ambient thermometer in walk in cooler. **Admin Complaint**
05-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Stored food not covered. Flour and corn starch bins have partial lids that do not fully enclosed container. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-11: Items in bins are uncovered. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-12-5
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was China Buffet last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at China Buffet on file is from Aug 25, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at China Buffet?
Across the inspection record, “no soap provided at handwash sink” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at China Buffet.
How does China Buffet compare to other restaurants in Tampa?
China Buffet most recently scored 26 out of 100, which is lower than the Tampa average of 79.
Has China Buffet's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at China Buffet have averaged around 10 violations per visit, down from roughly 12 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 five times per year on average.
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