China Garden
Last inspected: Feb 9, 2026
55
Score
Public records show 10 inspections at China Garden stretching back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 9, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 10 violations to closer to eight violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “employee personal food not properly identified and segregated”, showing up six times.
Compared to other Clearwater restaurants (averaging 79), there's room to close the gap. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 9, 2026
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Tray of raw chicken over tray of raw beef in walk in freezer . Reviewed with manager **Repeat Violation**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged in walk in freezer . Reviewed with manager
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - cutting board soiled with food debris in the grooves on cutting board in food prep area
22-02-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable on food prep table .
14-09-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public in freezer in front counter area . Manager placed food inside a container and marked container "for employee food " **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
Basic - Stored food (clean cut vegetables )not covered in walk in cooler **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor near walk in cooler . Manager place sanitizer solution bucket on a crate . **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
55
Jul 10, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw beef in walk in cooler. Reviewed with manager safe food storage
08A-20-5
High Priority - Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Employee cutting broccoli with bare hands. Reviewed with manager. Employee washed hands and put gloves on **Corrective Action Taken**
09-01-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Container lids stored in hand wash sinks in food preparation area. Reviewed with manager hand wash sinks are for washing hands only and must be accessible at all times . Employee removed lids from hand wash sink **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in men's restroom . Manager placed paper towels in dispenser **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table in back kitchen and next to clean equipment/utensils in front counter area . Reviewed with manager. Manager removed employee drinks **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. - Rusted shelf on prep table in back kitchen
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris under cooking equipment and along wall in food preparation areas .
36-73-4
Basic - Food ( containers of sauces ) stored on floor in kitchen . Reviewed with manager
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - walk in cooler shelves soiled - soiled outer surfaces of microwave at cook line - soiled handles on refrigerators in front counter area - soiled shelves in dry storage area Reviewed with manager **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Stored food ( cut vegetables ) not covered in walk in cooler . Wontons not covered in walk in freezer .Reviewed with manager safe storage **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food in walk in cooler . Reviewed with manager
08B-17-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reviewed with manager
14-17-4
41
Feb 17, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
55
Aug 28, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. fried chicken (65F - Cold Holding); garlic in oil (83F - Cold Holding) cabbage (45F - Cold Holding) **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-28: Flip top cooler stored on top: Cabbage 43F, garlic in oil 41F, bean sprouts 46F. Manager took temperature of bean sprouts at 11am and states they were at 40F. Manager moved beans sprouts inside of unit. Discussed placing food inside containers underneath fill line **Admin Complaint** **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Employee rubbed hands for 7 seconds **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-28: Employee rinsed hands for less than 10-15 seconds in 3 compartment sink. Discussed with operator the need to only wash hands in handwash sink and discussed proper handwashing methods **Time Extended**
12A-17-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board in the reach in cooler in cook line is stained **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-28: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-28: Employee preparing food not wearing hair restraint **Time Extended**
13-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall in employees restroom in the back of the kitchen by the back door exit is black mold substance **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-28: **Time Extended**
36-27-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-28: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board in reach in cooler in front of the stove is grooved **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-28: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee food beverage container on a food preparation area next to clean equipment/ utensils **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-28: Multiple employee beverages stored on counter next to rice steamer and equipment **Time Extended**
12B-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public in raw beef and pork walk in freezer next to the exit door in the back of the kitchen, yogurt and fruit in refrigerator at front counter next to beverages for the customers **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-08-28: Employee food is segregated in walk in cooler but is not identified **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-49-4
50
Aug 26, 2024
Routine - Food
8 critical violations. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 21 violations
High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Employee rubbed hands for 7 seconds **Warning**
12A-17-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. fried chicken (65F - Cold Holding); garlic in oil (83F - Cold Holding) cabbage (45F - Cold Holding) **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken above raw pork in walk in cooler **Warning**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken wings above egg rolls and sauce in refrigerator next to fryers. Operator properly stored it **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Raw meat in non grade food bags in the walk in freezer Operator placed items in proper bags **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-31-5
High Priority - Employee washed hands with cold water. Water was at 81 degrees **Warning**
12A-19-4
High Priority - Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched clean food plate, scooped rice onto plate to give to customer without washing hands **Warning**
12A-25-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled Operator removed **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. **Warning**
11-07-5
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. **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board in the reach in cooler in cook line is stained **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink next to triple sink area. Operator put paper towels in **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board in reach in cooler in front of the stove is grooved **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee food beverage container on a food preparation area next to clean equipment/ utensils **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public in raw beef and pork walk in freezer next to the exit door in the back of the kitchen, yogurt and fruit in refrigerator at front counter next to beverages for the customers **Warning**
08B-49-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Raw beef in trays in the walk in freezer not covered. Operator properly covered it **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall in employees restroom in the back of the kitchen by the back door exit is black mold substance **Warning**
36-27-5
12
Jan 12, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-12: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
95
Nov 13, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw beef in walk in cooler - employee rearranged food - reviewed proper food storage with operator **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location.
53A-02-7
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-13-5
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public in walk in cooler - reviewed with operator
08B-49-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
36-37-5
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board in back food prep area - employee removed towel **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation at cook line
13-03-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing above walk in cooler
36-36-4
55
Jul 17, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food ( raw pork) stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food ( cooked chicken) in walk in cooler - operator rearranged food **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. - cut cabbage 56F and cooked broccoli 89 F on counter for under one hour - operator moved to walk in freezer for quick chill down- cut cabbage 36 F cooked broccoli40 F **Corrected On-Site**
03A-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. **Repeat Violation**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cut cabbage, cooked meat/ shrimp in walk in cooler
02C-02-5
Basic - Stored food ( cut vegetables ) not covered in walk in cooler
08B-12-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open cup of coffee on prep table at cook line.- operator relocated drink **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
36-37-5
52
Feb 9, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license - 02/01/2023
50-17-3
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.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-14-5
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public in walk in cooler
08B-49-4
Basic - Stored food ( shredded vegetables) not covered in walk in cooler **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
58
Sep 8, 2022
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Single service clear quart to-go containers used for cashews and peanuts on cooks line, interior soiled, manager put in new containers and discarded soiled ones. -Interior of reach in cooler at front counter holding cheese wontons and egg rolls soiled. Discussed with manager.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. -Frozen shrimp and donuts inside reach in freezer not labeled with date made, manager was able to determine date prepared and placed date mark on these items. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-04-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. -Spray bottle with yellow liquid inside dinning room, not labeled, manager labeled bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -Squeeze bottles of white vinegar, soy sauce and other sauces not labeled on cooks line, manager labeled bottles. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed. -Inside walk in freezer wood shelves used to keep food off of the floor are not sealed. Discussed with manager.
14-06-4
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. -Chlorine sanitizer tested at 10ppm, employee changed sanitizer bucket and retested at 50ppm. -Wet wiping cloth not stored inside sanitizer solution. Manager placed inside solution. **Corrected On-Site**
21-07-4
Basic - Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. -Single service clear quart to-go containers used for cashews and peanuts on cooks line, discussed with manager.
25-32-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Gaskets at reach in cooler on cooks line soiled. -Exterior of microwave door and handles soiled with food debris. -Exterior of walk in cooler and walk in freezer door handles soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. -Two employees working without hair restraints on cooks line. Manager had employees put hats on. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. -Employee food, pork, stored above steam table, employee moved food. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was China Garden last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at China Garden on file is from Feb 9, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at China Garden?
Across the inspection record, “employee personal food not properly identified and segregated” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at China Garden.
How does China Garden compare to other restaurants in Clearwater?
China Garden most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Clearwater average of 79.
Has China Garden's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at China Garden have averaged around eight violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at China Garden means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is China Garden inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, China Garden is inspected around three times per year on average.
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