China Lee Buffet in Ocala

Last inspected:

3933 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
Overview

China Lee Buffet in Ocala has 13 inspections on record from July 2024 through March 2026, documenting 175 total violations at an average of 13.5 per inspection, significantly exceeding the statewide average of 5.2. High-priority violations have been persistent and severe: toxic substance control, improper chemical storage, food contact surface contamination, improper cooking temperatures, time-temperature control failures, and shell stock handling violations appear repeatedly across inspections. Employee health reporting violations, including shell stock requirements violations, were cited multiple times in a November 2025 complaint inspection. The facility has not experienced an emergency closure. Fire safety violations involving portable fire extinguishers in the red zone were documented in July 2024 and April 2024. Administrative complaints have been recommended in 4 of the past 5 inspections, indicating escalated enforcement action. The most recent inspection on March 9, 2026 identified 42 violations including high-priority findings for toxic substance control, food contact surfaces, proper cooking temperatures, time-temperature control, consumer advisory, and chemical storage, resulting in an administrative complaint recommendation.

Summary generated from Florida DBPR public inspection records.

14Inspections
197Violations
0Closures
2Fire

Last inspected DBPR:

China Lee Buffet in Ocala: Comparison to Marion County Averages

This Facility 14.1 violations / inspection 14.1 violations per inspection
Marion County Avg 5.44 violations / inspection 5.44 county average
This Facility 0 emergency closures 0 closures
Marion County Avg 0.26 closures / facility 0.26 county average

China Lee Buffet in Ocala: Fire Safety & Life Safety Violations (2)

— 2 fire violations

— Routine - Food · Administrative complaint recommended

Inspector Observation: Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. For reporting purposes only. Two fire extinguisher's in back of kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
Legal Basis: Reporting: (d) The division, or its agent, shall notify the local firesafety authority or the State Fire Marshal of any readily observable violation of a rule adopted under chapter 633 which relates to public lodging establishments or public food establishments, and the identification of such violation does not require any firesafety inspection certification. For reporting purposes only.

— Routine - Food · Administrative complaint recommended

Inspector Observation: Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. For reporting purposes only. Two extinguishers near chemical shelf near back door.
Legal Basis: Reporting: (d) The division, or its agent, shall notify the local firesafety authority or the State Fire Marshal of any readily observable violation of a rule adopted under chapter 633 which relates to public lodging establishments or public food establishments, and the identification of such violation does not require any firesafety inspection certification. For reporting purposes only.

China Lee Buffet in Ocala: Full Inspection History — DBPR (14)

— 2 inspections28 violations · 18 high priority
— Routine - Food· 14 violations (8 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy
V06 Handwashing facilities
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V12 Shell stock requirements
V14 Food contact surfaces
V16 Proper cooking temps
V22 Consumer advisory
V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal
V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V32 Proper sanitizing
V35 Single-use items
V36 Proper ventilation
V40 Wiping cloths usage
— Routine - Food· 14 violations (10 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V03 Employee health reporting
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V09 No contamination
V12 Shell stock requirements
V14 Food contact surfaces
V16 Proper cooking temps
V21 Time as control
V22 Consumer advisory
V23 Chemical properly stored
V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V40 Wiping cloths usage
V41 Toilet facilities

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected
— 5 inspections42 violations · 30 high priority
— Complaint Full· 2 violations (2 high priority)· Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V03 Employee health reporting
V12 Shell stock requirements
— Complaint Full· 14 violations (12 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy
V03 Employee health reporting
V06 Handwashing facilities
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V09 No contamination
V10 Approved food source
V12 Shell stock requirements
V14 Food contact surfaces
V21 Time as control
V22 Consumer advisory
V23 Chemical properly stored
V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V41 Toilet facilities
— Complaint Full· 0 violations · Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

— Complaint Full· 14 violations (8 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness
V03 Employee health reporting
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V12 Shell stock requirements
V14 Food contact surfaces
V21 Time as control
V22 Consumer advisory
V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal
V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V35 Single-use items
V36 Proper ventilation
V40 Wiping cloths usage
V41 Toilet facilities
— Complaint Full· 12 violations (8 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V10 Approved food source
V12 Shell stock requirements
V14 Food contact surfaces
V21 Time as control
V22 Consumer advisory
V23 Chemical properly stored
V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal
V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V40 Wiping cloths usage
V41 Toilet facilities
— 5 inspections43 violations · 31 high priority
— Complaint Partial· 1 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V12 Shell stock requirements
— Routine - Food· 0 violations · Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

— Routine - Food· 17 violations (11 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy
V03 Employee health reporting
V06 Handwashing facilities
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V10 Approved food source
V12 Shell stock requirements
V16 Proper cooking temps
V21 Time as control
V22 Consumer advisory
V23 Chemical properly stored
V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V33 Proper cooling equipment
V40 Wiping cloths usage
V41 Toilet facilities

Basic Violations

V45 Floor maintenance
V50 Adequate lighting
— Routine - Food· 3 violations (3 high priority)· Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V06 Handwashing facilities
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V12 Shell stock requirements
— Routine - Food· 22 violations (16 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness
V02 Employee health policy
V03 Employee health reporting
V06 Handwashing facilities
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V09 No contamination
V11 Food in good condition
V12 Shell stock requirements
V14 Food contact surfaces
V16 Proper cooking temps
V21 Time as control
V22 Consumer advisory
V23 Chemical properly stored
V24 Toxic substance control
V25 Allergen awareness
V27 Correct procedures

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal
V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V36 Proper ventilation
V40 Wiping cloths usage
V41 Toilet facilities

Basic Violations

V45 Floor maintenance
— 2 inspections16 violations · 12 high priority
— Complaint Full· 15 violations (12 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy
V03 Employee health reporting
V08 Proper hand/arm washing
V09 No contamination
V10 Approved food source
V11 Food in good condition
V12 Shell stock requirements
V14 Food contact surfaces
V21 Time as control
V22 Consumer advisory
V23 Chemical properly stored
V27 Correct procedures

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils
V40 Wiping cloths usage

Basic Violations

V50 Adequate lighting
— Food-Licensing Inspection· 1 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate Violations

V41 Toilet facilities

China Lee Buffet in Ocala: Frequently Asked Questions

When was China Lee Buffet in Ocala last inspected?
China Lee Buffet in Ocala was last inspected by Florida DBPR on May 4, 2026. The result was: Administrative complaint recommended.
What are the most common violations at China Lee Buffet in Ocala?
The most frequently cited violations at China Lee Buffet in Ocala are: Shell stock requirements, Proper hand/arm washing, Consumer advisory.
How many health inspections has China Lee Buffet in Ocala had?
China Lee Buffet in Ocala has had 14 inspections on record with Florida DBPR, averaging 14.1 violations per inspection, above the statewide average of 5.2.
What did the most recent inspection of China Lee Buffet in Ocala find?
China Lee Buffet in Ocala was most recently inspected on May 4, 2026 with 22 violation(s), including 6 high-priority violation(s). Disposition: Administrative complaint recommended.
Has China Lee Buffet in Ocala ever been shut down?
No, China Lee Buffet in Ocala has no emergency closures on record with Florida DBPR.
What does Florida violation V02 (Employee health policy) mean?
Violation 02 (Employee health policy) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/02.
What does Florida violation V06 (Handwashing facilities) mean?
Violation 06 (Handwashing facilities) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/06.
What does Florida violation V08 (Proper hand/arm washing) mean?
Violation 08 (Proper hand/arm washing) is classified as a high priority violation under Florida DBPR food safety regulations. See the full explanation at floridafoodsafety.org/violation/08.
Has China Lee Buffet in Ocala had any fire safety violations?
Yes, China Lee Buffet in Ocala has 2 fire safety violation(s) on record from Florida state fire inspections.

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This page is maintained by FloridaFoodSafety.org and is not affiliated with China Lee Buffet. How we collect and verify this data.