Lin's Chinese Buffet

7406 W Mcdowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85035

Chinese

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Mar 25, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Lin's Chinese Buffet six times, with records going back to 2024. The most recent visit was on Mar 25, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “packaged and unpackaged food-separation, packaging, and segregation”, showing up two times.

Compared to other Phoenix restaurants (averaging 97), there's room to close the gap. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 25, 2026

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed raw shrimp stored above cooked noodle and raw chicken stored above ready-to-eat sauces at steak station, also observed raw shell eggs stored above cut and washed vegetables in the prep cooler in the kitchen. Reviewed the food storage chart with manager. Manager moved the above raw animal food items to bottom shelves at time of inspection

3-302.11(A1-2)

Oct 22, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation. 5 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed raw beef and raw shrimp stored above ready-to-eat sauces at Mongolian BBQ station. Also observed pooled eggs stored above washed vegetables and raw pork stored above packaged tofu in the prep cooler in the kitchen. Reviewed the food storage chart with manager. Manager moved raw beef, raw shrimp, raw pooled egg and raw pork to the bottom shelves at time of inspection

3-302.11(A1-2)

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed can openers and slicer stored as clean heavily accumulated with food debris on the blades. Manager moved the can openers and slicer to ware washing station for cleaning and sanitizing at time of inspection

4-601.11(A)

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed no paper towel at handwashing sinks at sushi station and in the kitchen. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. Manager restocked the paper towels for the hand washing sinks at time of inspection

6-301.12

Time used as public health control not properly documented (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The establishment uses time as a control for all food at sushi station and buffet lines. Observed no time record for sushi station, also a new computer system was used for food at buffet line. Manager did not know how monitor the time recorded in the computer system. Reviewed the time as a control policy with manager. Employee recorded the time for food at sushi station at time of inspection. Also, manager recorded the times for food at buffet lines and will revise the time as a control policy to use the computer system

3-501.19(A1,B2,C2-3)

Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed employee beverages without lid stored in several cold holding units with food for customer. Employee beverages must have a lid and straw and be stored below food prep area. Manager relocated the beverages at the time of inspection

2-401.11

Jun 12, 2025

Food Advisory Inspection

No violations found.

100

Jan 16, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Oct 21, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

5-205.11

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

4-602.11(E)

Jul 8, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Unnecessary items or litter present on premises

6-501.114

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Lin's Chinese Buffet last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Lin's Chinese Buffet on file is from Mar 25, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Lin's Chinese Buffet?

Across the inspection record, “packaged and unpackaged food-separation, packaging, and segregation” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Lin's Chinese Buffet.

How does Lin's Chinese Buffet compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Lin's Chinese Buffet most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Lin's Chinese Buffet's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lin's Chinese Buffet have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Lin's Chinese 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 Lin's Chinese Buffet inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Lin's Chinese Buffet is inspected around four times per year on average.

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