China Max
Last inspected: Jan 7, 2026
35
Score
Inspectors have visited China Max 13 times, with records going back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 7, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 11 violations lately compared to roughly four violations before.
“Handwash sink not accessible for employee use” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
The city-wide average sits at 82, which China Max's 35 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
13
Inspections
2
Critical latest
5
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 7, 2026
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Chlorine solution tests at over 200ppm. Operator replaced solution, tested at 100ppm **Corrected On-Site**
41-15-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored over milk cartons in walk in cooler. Operator moved chicken to lower shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at prep area hand sink.
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. Egg rolls and cooked chicken in walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
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
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Prep area hand sink blocked by trash can. Operator moved can **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Food debris observed in front counter hand sink.
31A-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Multiple food boxes and bag of ice on floor in walk in freezer. Operator placed all items on shelf **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored directly on top of ice machine. Operator removed to dish. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-12-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle touching food in bulk rice and cornstarch. Operator placed correctly **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Multiple items in walk in cooler not covered **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Operator placed inside secondary bucket. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
35
Aug 21, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken stored over milk cartons and half and half cases in walk in cooler. Raw shrimp stored over raw broccoli in walk in cooler.
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple items in walk in cooler observed with no date mark.
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand sink in prep area blocked by trash can, and steel wool observed in same hand sink. Operator removed steel wool and moved trash can. Sponge observed in front counter hand sink. Manager removed sponge **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Cell phone on top of flip top cooler at cookline. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Metal pans on clean dish shelf
24-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Buckets of soy sauce stored on the floor near back door. Bags of ice and case of chicken gyoza stored on floor in walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop observed stored on top of ice machine.
10-12-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Cooked chicken, raw shrimp, raw broccoli, cooked potatoes, sliced carrots observed not covered in walk in cooler.
08B-12-5
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Tested at 0ppm. Operator replaced, tested at 50ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
21-07-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plastic cup being used to dip sauce into portion cups. Operator replaced with ladle. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
50
Apr 23, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Food contaminated by employees/consumers and operator continued to serve food. See stop sale. Employee beverage observed inside pan of sliced peppers and onions in flip top cooler on cook line. Operator voluntarily discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-12-4
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Multiple items in walk in cooler not date marked. Observed operator placed empty bucket,dates on all items. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Squeeze bottle of soy sauce for self served not labeled. Bulk sauces at cookline not labeled. Operator placed labels on all items. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
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.
12B-12-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Purse stored with food items on shelf by walk in cooler. Cell phones on top of flip top cooler.. Operator removed all items. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gaskets on walk in cooler door
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Buckets of soy sauce on floor near back door. Operator placed empty bucket on bottom. Bagged ice on floor in walk in cooler. Observed employee place on shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice spoon in room temperature standing water at end of steam table. Operator removed spoon and discarded water. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food storage area. Operator placed on floor. **Corrected On-Site**
35B-02-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Sliced onions and carrots, container of soy eggs not covered in walk in cooler. Operator placed covers. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at steam table shelf. Operator placed in sanitizer bucket. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
47
Feb 18, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
86
Feb 17, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee wash serving spoon at 3 compartment sink without sanitizing, returned to front counter with the spoon.
22-45-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects found 3 small flying insects observed under 3 compartment sink.
35A-02-7
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 3 observed on floor under shelving near back door. 10 observed on soda syrup boxes on rack. 1 observed on floor under soda syrup rack 12 observed on floor under bulk sugar and flour. 1 observed on top of bulk sugar container 2 observed on top of bulk MSG container. 4 observed on floor near grease trap 2 observed on floor behind prep table at end of cookline 1 observed on floor at end of steam table at front counter.
35A-04-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
02C-02-5
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
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed ice and soft drinks poured into hand sink at front counter. .
31A-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Buckets of soy sauce on floor near back door and in walk in cooler. Containers of marinading chicken and beef, bag of onions, case of cream on floor in walk in cooler.
08B-38-4
Basic - Insects breeding in standing water. Approximately 10 fly larvae observed in standing water in grout line under 3 compartment sink.
35A-12-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Chicken in tubs in walk in cooler
08B-12-5
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed multiple cases of unwashed produce stored over ready to eat food items in walk in cooler.
08B-17-4
39
Dec 18, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-18: **Time Extended**
35B-01-4
95
Dec 17, 2024
Routine - Food
9 critical violations. 3 major violations. 12 minor violations.
View 24 violations
High Priority - Rodent chew marks present. On bag of jasmine rice
35A-18-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Rodent chew marks on bag of rice in dry storage. 1 live fly inside cooked potatoes.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw beef cold holding 48F,raw shrimp 52F. Items placed inside walk in freezer at 3:02. Re-temperature raw beef 38F,raw shrimp 40F. At 3:54.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook line- Bourbon chicken 83-89F Front line- sweet and sour chicken 91-168F, cooked vegetables 112F, cooked plantains 107-147F discussed better methods
03B-01-6
High Priority - Food preparation sink has soil/old food residue. Food preparation table has buildup of old food debris.
22-35-5
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 4 flies in back kitchen area. 2 fly larvae in back kitchen area. 1 fly inside cooked potatoes.
35A-02-6
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 9 live roaches in light bulb packaging over prep table and prep sink.
35A-05-4
High Priority - Roach excrement and/or droppings present. Roach excrement inside electrical box by dry storage. 1 roach egg casing on prep sink
35A-23-4
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 15 rodent droppings underneath bag of rice in dry storage. 1 by CO2 tank
35A-04-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Red cutting board has stains and is no longer cleanable.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Back line blocked by trash can- moved **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken,cooked noodles, has no dates inside walk in cooler.
02C-02-5
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 3 dead roaches underneath grease trap. 1 dead roach underneath bulk containers.
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on food preparation table. Employee discarded drink. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Sweatshirt and bag on top of sauces and canned goods
40-06-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor soiled inside walk in cooler. Wall soiled. By prep table on back line
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Half and half, cabbage ,frying grease,soy sauce,stored on floor inside walk in cooler. Cooked chicken on floor under prep table- moved off floor **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-38-4
Basic - Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. Objectionable odors in back kitchen area.
36-64-5
Basic - Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Plastic jug cut in half used as scoop- discussed with operator
25-32-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner.p Chicken thawing in standing water. Chef placed chicken inside walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. In mop sink
42-01-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters have buildup of grease, exterior bulk food containers, grease build up exterior cook line equipment
23-03-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice buckets- inverted **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
11
Apr 17, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
70
Aug 14, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed cut broccoli stored in a cardboard box on cookline **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-14: **Time Extended**
14-15-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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 to operator **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-14: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink stored on prep table **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-08-14: **Time Extended**
12B-07-4
74
Aug 9, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 6 flies landing on prep table and clean dishes in back kitchen **Warning**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed cut broccoli stored in a cardboard box on cookline **Warning**
14-15-4
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. Emailed to operator **Warning**
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 to operator **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink stored on prep table **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Fly sticky tape hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. Observed over walk way in back kitchen **Warning**
35B-08-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed a container chicken store on floor on cookline Corrected observed employee place on shelf **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-47-4
52
Feb 14, 2023
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed a metal pan stored in hand sink near dish area
31A-09-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed portion cup stored in bulk salt Corrected -observed employee remove **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink stored on prep table near back door Corrected observed employee remove **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed a bag onions stored on floor near walk-in cooler door
08B-47-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw shrimp thawing at room temperature next to 3-compartment sink Corrected-on employee place under cold running water **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk salt not labeled on dry storage shelf
02D-01-5
67
Dec 9, 2022
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed plastic containers stored in front of hand sink on cookline
31A-09-4
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/ **Repeat Violation**
53A-05-6
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed portion cups used to scoop bulk salt on dry storage shelf
14-01-5
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed a container of sauce and oil on floor in back kitchen
08B-47-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed old food debris on walls throughout kitchen
36-27-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk salt not labeled on dry storage shelf
02D-01-5
67
Jul 18, 2022
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
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/
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed missing at hand sink in dish area Corrected-observed employee replace **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink stored on prep table Corrected-observed employee discard **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed box of string beans on floor in walk-in freezer Corrected-observed employee place on shelf **Corrected On-Site**
08B-47-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed old food build inside reach in coolers and walk-in cooler
23-03-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed orange wet wiping cloth stored on prep table in back kitchen
21-12-4
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was China Max last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at China Max on file is from Jan 7, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at China Max?
Across the inspection record, “handwash sink not accessible for employee use” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at China Max.
How does China Max compare to other restaurants in Brandon?
China Max most recently scored 35 out of 100, which is lower than the Brandon average of 82.
Has China Max's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at China Max have averaged around 11 violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at China Max 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 Max inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, China Max is inspected around four times per year on average.
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