Hibachi Express
Last inspected: Mar 12, 2026
82
Score
Across the available record, Hibachi Express has eight inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent visit was on Mar 12, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near four violations per visit.
“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average Lakeland facility scores 85, putting Hibachi Express on the weaker side. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
8
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 12, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shelled eggs over carrots inside the walk in cooler.
08A-05-6
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee preparing food on the cook line.
13-03-4
82
Oct 16, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Eggs over bulk containers of soy sauce inside the walk in cooler.
08A-05-6
High Priority - Employee rinsed hands with no soap. At the 3 compartment sink.
12A-20-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Product inside the walk in cooler. Chicken, beef
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee rinsed his hands at the 3 compartment sink.
31A-11-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Carry out containers on top of the sushi reach in cooler on the front counter. The containers was inverted. **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Shrimp thawing in a bulk container of water on the prep table next to the walk in freezer.
06-01-5
Basic - Unwrapped single-service utensils not presented so that only the handles are touched. White plastic fork inside the caddy at the condiment station.
25-02-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
22-16-4
50
Mar 28, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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. 3-27-2022
53B-14-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Stainless bowl used to scoop chicken in the top section of the flip top reach in cooler. Bowl was removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee preparing food in customer section of dining area. Employee prepping salad at the front counter next to the cash register. I had the employee to take the product to the kitchen. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-48-4
78
Nov 6, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shelled eggs over cut carrots inside the walk in cooler. The eggs was relocated. Beef,shrimp, over vegetables in the top section of the flip top reach in cooler acfrom the cook line. The products was relocated. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Chlorine 00 ppm. Operator changed the sanitizer 50 ppm **Corrected On-Site**
22-42-4
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 a copy to her email **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available.
51-18-6
64
Mar 7, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
67
Aug 14, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations.
View 3 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
64
Mar 1, 2023
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand sink blocked by sushi rice container
31A-09-4
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 - 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
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed togo containers at sushi bar not stored inverted
25-06-4
70
Aug 29, 2022
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - Wet wiping cloths stored in detergent and sanitizer mixed together. Manager changed out buckets.
21-03-4
Basic - Employee preparing food in customer section of dining area. Observed employees prepping salads in dining room. They moved everything to back prep area **Corrected On-Site**
08B-48-4
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hibachi Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Hibachi Express on file is from Mar 12, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Hibachi Express?
Across the inspection record, “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Hibachi Express.
How does Hibachi Express compare to other restaurants in Lakeland?
Hibachi Express most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Lakeland average of 85.
Has Hibachi Express' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Hibachi Express have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Hibachi Express 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 Hibachi Express inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Hibachi Express is inspected around two times per year on average.
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