How many health inspections has HAPPY BUFFET had?

HAPPY BUFFET has had 27 inspections according to Florida DBPR records.

Has HAPPY BUFFET ever been shut down?

Yes, HAPPY BUFFET has been shut down 1 time by state inspectors.

What are the most common violations at HAPPY BUFFET?

The most frequently cited violations at HAPPY BUFFET are: Proper ventilation, Food contact surfaces, Proper hand/arm washing.

What does Florida violation V03 (Employee health reporting) mean?

OUTBREAK ENABLER: Food workers who fail to report illness symptoms are the #1 cause of multi-victim outbreaks. Norovirus is shed in billions of viral particles per gram of stool — as few as 18 particles cause infection. One symptomatic worker can infect hundreds of customers before detection. CDC links 70% of Norovirus outbreaks to infected food handlers. Employees must immediately report: vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, sore throat with fever, infected wounds or boils. Must also report diagnosed illness with Salmonella Typhi, Shigella, E. coli O157:H7, Hepatitis A virus, or Norovirus. Person in charge must exclude or restrict employees per FDA Food Code guidelines.

What does Florida violation V08 (Proper hand/arm washing) mean?

TECHNIQUE FAILURE: Improper handwashing technique leaves pathogens on hands even when a handwashing attempt is made. Studies show 95% of people wash hands incorrectly — most don't scrub for 20 seconds or miss fingertips, thumbs, and between fingers. Incomplete washing creates a false sense of security while still transferring E. coli, Norovirus, and Salmonella to food. Correct technique requires: wet hands with clean warm water, apply soap, lather and scrub for 20+ seconds covering all surfaces including fingertips/nails/between fingers/back of hands, rinse thoroughly, dry with single-use towel. Use towel to turn off faucet. Do NOT use hand sanitizer as substitute for handwashing.

What does Florida violation V10 (Approved food source) mean?

UNSAFE FOOD SOURCE: Food from unapproved sources bypasses USDA/FDA safety inspections, potentially harboring Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, parasites, or chemical contaminants. Uninspected meat may contain antibiotics, hormones, or prions (mad cow disease). Home-canned foods risk deadly Clostridium botulinum toxin. Wild-harvested shellfish may contain paralytic toxins. All food must come from approved, inspected sources. Maintain supplier documentation and invoices. Shellfish must have proper tags retained for 90 days. No home-prepared, home-canned, or uninspected foods. Wild game must be commercially processed. Verify supplier licenses and inspection status.

HAPPY BUFFET

1533 W 49 ST, Hialeah, FL 33012-2924

Miami-Dade County · Permanent Food Service · Owner: HB MIAMI CORPORATION · License: SEA2330417

HAPPY BUFFET in Hialeah, FL has 27 inspections on record with 429 total violations (15.9 per inspection) and 1 emergency closure.

27Inspections

429Violations

1Closures

Data current as of April 9, 2025

Emergency Closures (1)

Emergency closure history for HAPPY BUFFET
Date	Reason	Reopened
Jul 24, 2018	Roach activity	13:14:00

Inspection History (27)

Apr 9, 2025 — Routine - Food· 10 violations (2 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V03 Employee health reporting

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V10 Approved food source

V12 Shell stock requirements

V21 Time as control

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V41 Toilet facilities

Oct 11, 2024 — Routine - Food· 13 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V03 Employee health reporting

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V10 Approved food source

V14 Food contact surfaces

V21 Time as control

HAPPY BUFFET

Emergency Closures (1)

Inspection History (27)

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How Does This Facility Compare?

Frequently Asked Questions

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