Duff's Buffet
Last inspected: Mar 12, 2026
100
Score
The health department has logged 12 inspections at Duff's Buffet, the earliest from 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 12, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near six violations each time.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “accumulation of black/green mold-like substance”, showing up five times.
The city-wide average for Clearwater sits at 79, putting Duff's Buffet on the better side of that line. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 12, 2026
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Jan 6, 2026
Complaint Full
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Server ice machine soiled with mold like substance. Operator cleaned ice machine during the inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
22-20-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Discussed ways pans can be stored to dry **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Through out kitchen cook line prep areas **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Caddy holding ice buckets. Operator cleaned caddy during g the inspection **Corrected On-Site**
23-03-4
78
Nov 13, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottles stored above coffee packs and napkin packs. Manager moved. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee on cook line touched his face and clothing without washing hands and returned to food preparation. Discussed proper hand washing techniques with manger and staff.
12A-10-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Cut tomatoes next to raw fish in reach in cooler next to batter station. Manager removed **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Red cup used as scoop in sugar container in server area near bathrooms. Manager replaced with handled scoop. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed in dry storage area used under flour bags. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-05-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed multiple tiles in kitchen with damage.
36-32-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents and walls soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, or dust in cook line, prep area, and storage areas.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee drinks located on shelf with napkins for tables. Manager moved. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed in silver pans on storage rack next to dishwasher. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed multiple areas in kitchen with standing water.
36-22-4
Basic - Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed container of bread stored next to dirty dish tube. Manager moved container. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-36-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed in dry storage area connected to walk in cooler. Manager stated they have the shields to replace them.
38-07-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Containers of salt, sugar, and other seasoning not labeled. Manager labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
39
Jan 2, 2025
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Areas of rust located at the top interior of ice machine labeled "servers". Discussed with manager. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-02: **Time Extended**
22-31-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-02: Operator unstacked pans **Time Extended** **Corrected On-Site**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. On prep table next to knife. Operator relocated. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-02: Sanitizer on prep table next to cutting board. Operator relocated **Time Extended** **Corrected On-Site**
21-44-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0ppm, operator refilled. 200ppm **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-02: Over 500ppm quaternary, second test after refill was 200ppm **Time Extended** **Corrected On-Site**
21-08-4
78
Dec 19, 2024
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 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. 0ppm 3 cycles in a row. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization (3-compartment sink) until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Operator had triple sink set up, 200ppm. Operator had dish machine maintenance out during inspection. Dishmachine was repaired before inspection ended. Retest 50ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on wall under dish machine. Operator killed, discarded and sanitized area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. marinara (92F - Hot Holding) in kitchen steam table. Operator states it was used to top chicken and that it was meant to be discarded. Operator voluntarily discarded. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Located at buffet: shredded cheese (47F - Cooling) portioned at 10am, second temp 48F; sour cream (47F - Cooling) portioned at 10am, second temp 48F. Operator relocated to walk in cooler. Food is on ice, but ice had melted and is only on the bottom of the unit. Discussed using time as a public health control for this area of the buffet if it is not able to cool food properly or hold food at 41f. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Areas of rust located at the top interior of ice machine labeled "servers". Discussed with manager. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-31-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee purse next to to go cups in kitchen. Operator relocated **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. On prep table next to knife. Operator relocated. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-44-1
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0ppm, operator refilled. 200ppm **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-08-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. **Warning**
24-08-4
43
Oct 3, 2024
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Triple sink quaternary sanitizer above 500ppm. Strip turned blue. Operator corrected to 200ppm **Corrected On-Site**
41-18-4
High Priority - Sanitizer not used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Employee mixed quaternary sanitizer with Clorox. Discussed with manager who discussed with employee. Operator discarded and replaced bucket **Corrected On-Site**
41-28-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. banana pudding (45F - Cold Holding); cheesecake (50F - Cold Holding) both have been on buffet line for 1 hour. Manager moved food to walk in cooler, added ice and replaced with new pans. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with dust. Area surrounding soda nozzles. Operator cleaned and sanitized area. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Back side of drop plate rusted. Operator states ice machine is only used for buffet ice.
22-31-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with dust. Walk in cooler fan **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
47
Sep 12, 2024
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. 11 live roaches in hole under dishmachine 2 live roaches on wheel of fryer **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: 1 live roach on wall above dish machine. Operator killed and sanitizer wall. 1 live on floor next to employee women's restroom. Operator killed and sanitized area**Time Extended** **Time Extended** **Corrected On-Site**
35A-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Both ice machines soiled with mold like substance on top interior walls. Discussed with manager who began cleaning. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. White cutting board in prep area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach in electrical box 1 dead roach under flat top 1 dead roach on floor in dry storage room **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: 1 dead roach on floor in dry storage room. Operator discarded and sanitizer area **Time Extended** **Corrected On-Site**
35A-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan in walk in cooler soiled with dust. Heavy buildup on sides or equipment on cookline and on bottom/underneath equipment. Discussed with manager. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: Build up of debris on the inside of the pressure fryer and the wheels. Sides of equipment have been cleaned. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
23-03-4
70
Sep 11, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 11 live roaches in hole under dishmachine 2 live roaches on wheel of fryer **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. sour cream (55F - Cold Holding)on buffet since 11am. No temperatures taken. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Buffet: sour cream (55F - Cold Holding) at buffet since 11am, no temperatures taken. See stop sale. cut lettuce (55F - Cold Holding) on line for 30 minutes. whipped cream (50F - Cold Holding) on line for less than an hour. Operator relocated both food items. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Tiger balm on rack above container of bread. Operator relocated. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with dust. Area around soda nozzles soiled. Manager corrected. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink next to 3 compartment sink blocked by cart. Operator relocated. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Both ice machines soiled with mold like substance on top interior walls. Discussed with manager who began cleaning. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Tile damaged where exit sign is hanging. Located near warewashing area. Vents rusted in kitchen **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. White cutting board in prep area. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach in electrical box 1 dead roach under flat top 1 dead roach on floor in dry storage room **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee purse and backpack above container of bread on rack. Operator relocated. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors soiled throughout kitchen, warewashing area, dry storage and walk in cooler. Ceiling throughout kitchen soiled and warewashing area soiled with dust or stained. Walls in warewashing area soiled. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Multiple boxes of food items on floor of walk in freezer. Operator relocated. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall in warewashing area. **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed operator choking poster. **Warning**
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan in walk in cooler soiled with dust. Heavy buildup on sides or equipment on cookline and on bottom/underneath equipment. Discussed with manager. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee beverage in reach in cooler. Discussed the need to segregate and label employee food and beverages. **Warning**
12B-13-4
26
Apr 17, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
58
Oct 24, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicken salad 46f, item put in walk in freezer. Temp now at 42f. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Water draining onto floor surface. Three compartment sink.
29-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl used for portioning. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters.
23-03-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Scrape area of dish room, wall and ceiling.
36-27-5
52
Feb 1, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
45
Dec 7, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands in dishwashing area - manager coached employee who then washed hands prior to touching clean dishes **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-13-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. - raw chicken over hush puppy mixture in cooler - manager rearranged food **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Ambient air thermometer in holding unit not accurate within plus or minus 3 degrees Fahrenheit dessert buffet area **Corrected On-Site**
05-05-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - stained cutting board at cook line
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice bin.at kitchen beverage station - manager removed ice and cleaned ice bin **Corrected On-Site**
22-20-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom in employee women's bathroom
32-12-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable at cook line
14-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. - employee bike in storage room near cups - manager relocated bike - employee phone and charger on packaged pita in food prep area - manager relocated employee items **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. - pans stacked on shelf in dishwashing area - cups stacked at beverage station
24-08-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water near walk in cooler in food prep area and dishwashing areas - manager swept floors
36-22-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board in food prep area - manager removed towel **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. - uncovered sausage in walk in cooler - uncovered pie slices in walk in cooler - manager covered food **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Whip topping thawing in container of water at room temperature - reviewed proper thawing with manager - manager put under cold running water **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
37
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Duff's Buffet last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Duff's Buffet on file is from Mar 12, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Duff's Buffet?
Across the inspection record, “accumulation of black/green mold-like substance” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Duff's Buffet.
How does Duff's Buffet compare to other restaurants in Clearwater?
Duff's Buffet most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Clearwater average of 79.
Has Duff's Buffet's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Duff's Buffet have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Duff's Buffet means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Duff's Buffet inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Duff's Buffet is inspected around four times per year on average.
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