How many health inspections has CHINA BUFFET had?

CHINA BUFFET has had 48 inspections according to Florida DBPR records.

Has CHINA BUFFET ever been shut down?

Yes, CHINA BUFFET has been shut down 2 times by state inspectors.

What are the most common violations at CHINA BUFFET?

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

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 V12 (Shell stock requirements) mean?

SHELLFISH TRACEABILITY: Shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) are high-risk foods consumed raw or lightly cooked. Without proper identification tags, contaminated shellfish cannot be traced during outbreaks. Vibrio vulnificus from Gulf shellfish has a 50% fatality rate in at-risk populations. Norovirus in shellfish causes 50% of shellfish-related illnesses. Proper tags enable rapid recall during outbreaks. Maintain shellfish tags for 90 days from date of sale/service. Tags must include: harvester name and certification number, harvest date and location, quantity, dealer information. Store shellfish in original tagged container until empty. Record date on each container when last shell is removed. Never commingle shellfish from different lots.

What does Florida violation V31 (Clean multi-use utensils) mean?

BACTERIAL BIOFILM: Improperly cleaned multi-use utensils develop bacterial biofilms within 24 hours. These biofilms protect pathogens (Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli) from routine sanitizing — requiring physical scrubbing to remove. Each use of a contaminated utensil transfers pathogens to food. Improperly cleaned cutting boards harbor 200x more bacteria than a toilet seat. Clean and sanitize all multi-use utensils using the 3-compartment sink method: Wash in hot soapy water (110°F minimum), rinse in clean water, sanitize in approved solution (50-100 ppm chlorine or 200-400 ppm quaternary ammonium for 30 seconds), air dry. Or use properly functioning commercial dishwasher. Clean utensils at least every 4 hours during continuous use.

CHINA BUFFET

1245 E FOWLER AVE, Tampa, FL 33612

Hillsborough County · Permanent Food Service · Owner: CHINA BUFFET OF TAMPA UNITED INC · License: SEA3911556

CHINA BUFFET in Tampa, FL has 48 inspections on record with 648 total violations (13.5 per inspection) and 2 emergency closures.

48Inspections

648Violations

2Closures

Data current as of April 2, 2025

Emergency Closures (2)

Emergency closure history for CHINA BUFFET
Date	Reason	Reopened
Feb 18, 2020	Roach & rodent activity	13:30:00
Sep 29, 2015	Roach activity	15:41:00

Inspection History (48)

Apr 2, 2025 — Complaint Partial· 3 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

Mar 17, 2025 — Complaint Full· 15 violations (3 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V02 Employee health policy

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V10 Approved food source

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V16 Proper cooking temps

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

Mar 17, 2025 — Food-Licensing Inspection· 0 violations · Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Feb 11, 2025 — Food-Licensing Inspection· 2 violations (1 high priority)· Call Back - Admin. complaint recommended

Basic Violations

V50 Adequate lighting

V51 Premises clean

Nov 26, 2024 — Food-Licensing Inspection· 7 violations (2 high priority)· Warning Issued