Hibachi Express
Last inspected: Feb 9, 2026
74
Score
Going back to 2022, Hibachi Express has 10 inspections in the public record. Hibachi Express was last inspected on Feb 9, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around three violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing”, showing up four times.
Hibachi Express' latest score of 74 falls below the Lakeland average of 85. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
10
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 9, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp stored over portion containers of sauce in glass door Pepsi unit at front counter. **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed stainless steel scrubber in hand sink on cook line, operator removed scrubber from sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskin flip to unit on cook line.
14-11-5
74
Oct 15, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken stored over unwashed vegetables in walk in cooler, operator moved raw chicken. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at sushi station. Operator provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at sushi station. Operator provided soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed on male employee at sushi station, employee put on cap. **Corrected On-Site**
13-03-4
67
May 16, 2025
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed in walk in freezer. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-16: Food stored on floor. Observed in walk in freezer. **Time Extended**
08B-38-4
95
Apr 22, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed steel wool in hand sink on cook line. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed in walk in freezer. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed rice scoop in 86F standing water. **Warning**
10-07-4
74
Sep 24, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed steel wool in sink, employee removed steel wool. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed debris on interior sides and shield operator cleaned interior of ice machine. **Corrected On-Site**
22-20-5
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed between cooler and table, operator removed knife from between equipment. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bucket of sauce in walk in cooler, operator removed sauce from floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
78
Jan 8, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shrimp stored over salads in 2-door glass unit, operator moved shrimp below salads. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed scrubber in sink on cookline, employee removed scrubber. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
74
Aug 14, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
64
Apr 11, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed case of single service items stored on floor in storage area.
25-05-4
95
Feb 28, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 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. Observed Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm); Dishwasher (Chlorine 100ppm), employee replaced empty chlorine bucket and primed to comply. **Corrected On-Site**
22-41-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed buckets of sauce in side interior walkway.
08B-38-4
82
Jul 5, 2022
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed raw shell eggs stored on floor in walk in cooler.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed rice scoop in water 85°f, operator removed scoop and water. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in unit at front counter, employee cleaned gaskets. **Corrected On-Site**
23-03-4
Basic - Unwrapped single-service utensils not presented so that only the handles are touched. Observed at self service area, operator repositioned plastic utensils. **Corrected On-Site**
25-02-4
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hibachi Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Hibachi Express on file is from Feb 9, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Hibachi Express?
Across the inspection record, “handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Hibachi Express.
How does Hibachi Express compare to other restaurants in Lakeland?
Hibachi Express most recently scored 74 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 three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Hibachi Express 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 Hibachi Express inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Hibachi Express is inspected around three times per year on average.
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