Panda Express #1656
Last inspected: Oct 27, 2025
61
Score
Going back to 2022, Panda Express #1656 has 12 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Oct 27, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around seven violations per visit versus roughly three violations earlier in the record.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting”, showing up four times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Panda Express #1656's 61 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 27, 2025
Complaint Full
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Observed employees and PIC had no knowledge of big 6 food borne illnesses. - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-27: **Time Extended**
11-07-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Spoke to manager, no knowledge of employee reporting forms. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-27: Spoke to manager, there are no employee reporting agreements in site. Emailed a copy of employee reporting form to operator. **Admin Complaint**
11-26-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed there is no current license displayed. - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-27: **Time Extended**
50-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed dumpster has no drain plug present. - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-27: **Time Extended**
33-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No waste receptacle installed at handwash sink provided with disposable towels. Observed no trash can near hand wash sink next to glass walk in cooler doors. - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-27: **Time Extended**
33-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Single service plates box stored directly on kitchen floor. - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-27: **Time Extended**
25-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water pooling in bottom of walk in cooler. - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-27: **Time Extended**
29-49-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Dumpster one side lid is damaged/detached and dumpster is open. - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-27: **Time Extended**
33-15-4
61
Aug 26, 2025
Complaint Full
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
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. Observed employees and PIC had no knowledge of big 6 food borne illnesses.
11-07-5
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. Spoke to manager, no knowledge of employee reporting forms. **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Ceiling tile near rear exit door in kitchen is damaged and hanging down. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed there is no current license displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic containers above 3 compartment sink wet nesting.
24-08-4
Basic - Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Dumpster one side lid is damaged/detached and dumpster is open.
33-15-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed dumpster has no drain plug present.
33-11-4
Basic - No waste receptacle installed at handwash sink provided with disposable towels. Observed no trash can near hand wash sink next to glass walk in cooler doors.
33-38-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Single service plates box stored directly on kitchen floor.
25-05-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water pooling in bottom of walk in cooler.
29-49-6
55
Aug 12, 2025
Complaint Full
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed damaged sagging ceiling tile in prep kitchen area.
36-32-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed green cutting board with deep grooves in prep kitchen.**Repeat Violation** **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic containers wet nesting on shelf above three compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk salt on counter of cook's line unlabeled.
02D-01-5
82
Jul 16, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed vacuum breaker bell damaged or removed from mop sink faucet. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-16: Observed vacuum breaker bell damaged or removed from mop sink faucet **Time Extended**
29-42-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed green cutting board deep grooves by prep sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-16: Observed green cutting board deep grooves by prep sink. **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic and metal containers wet nesting on shelf above three compartment sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-16: Observed plastic and metal containers wet nesting on shelf above three compartment sink. **Time Extended**
24-08-4
78
Jul 15, 2025
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Raw shrimp (52F - Cold Holding); Raw beef (45F - Cold Holding); Raw chicken (46F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler on cook's line. Per Operator, items in unit less than four hours. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed vacuum breaker bell damaged or removed from mop sink faucet. **Warning**
29-42-4
High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee wipe hands on dirty apron then pick up clean utensils to serve food. Discussed proper hand washing practices with operator. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-28-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed green cutting board deep grooves by prep sink. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic and metal containers wet nesting on shelf above three compartment sink. **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed beef thawing at room temperature in prep sink. Operator moved beef to walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
06-01-5
55
Mar 18, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
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
90
Nov 7, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
52
Mar 18, 2024
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
86
Feb 13, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
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 manager DBPR Form HR 5030-103. The manager is assuring all personnel read, sign and maintain on files. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
36-34-5
82
Oct 25, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 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.
53B-14-5
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 manager DBPR Form HR 5030-103. The manager will assure all personnel read, sign and maintain in files. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
36-34-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled.
22-08-4
70
Jan 6, 2023
Complaint Full
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
95
Jul 19, 2022
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in reach in freezer.
14-69-4
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Panda Express #1656 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Panda Express #1656 on file is from Oct 27, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Panda Express #1656?
Across the inspection record, “equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Panda Express #1656.
How does Panda Express #1656 compare to other restaurants in Fort Myers?
Panda Express #1656 most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Fort Myers average of 81.
Has Panda Express #1656's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Panda Express #1656 have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Panda Express #1656 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 Panda Express #1656 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Panda Express #1656 is inspected around four times per year on average.
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