How many health inspections has BUFFET CITY had?

BUFFET CITY has had 33 inspections according to Florida DBPR records.

Has BUFFET CITY ever been shut down?

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

What are the most common violations at BUFFET CITY?

The most frequently cited violations at BUFFET CITY are: Food contact surfaces, Proper hand/arm washing, Consumer advisory.

What does Florida violation V02 (Employee health policy) mean?

DISEASE TRANSMISSION: Without a written employee health policy, sick food workers transmit Norovirus (20 million US cases/year), Hepatitis A (causes liver failure), Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli O157:H7. CDC estimates 40% of restaurant outbreaks involve ill food workers. A single infected employee can contaminate food for thousands of customers. Maintain written employee health policy addressing: reporting of symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, sore throat with fever), diagnosed illnesses (Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli), exclusion and restriction criteria, and return-to-work requirements. Train all employees on policy at hiring and annually.

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.

BUFFET CITY

810 CYPRESS GARDEN BLVD, Winter Haven, FL 33880

Polk County · Permanent Food Service · Owner: BUFFET CITY OF WINTER HAVEN INC · License: SEA6307723

BUFFET CITY in Winter Haven, FL has 33 inspections on record with 299 total violations (9.1 per inspection) and 1 emergency closure.

33Inspections

299Violations

1Closures

Data current as of November 19, 2024

Emergency Closures (1)

Emergency closure history for BUFFET CITY
Date	Reason	Reopened
Sep 17, 2024	Roach & fly activity	16:15:00

Inspection History (33)

Nov 19, 2024 — Routine - Food· 8 violations (1 high priority)· Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V36 Proper ventilation

Nov 18, 2024 — Routine - Food· 25 violations (7 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V02 Employee health policy

V03 Employee health reporting

V06 Handwashing facilities

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V10 Approved food source

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V35 Single-use items

V36 Proper ventilation

V40 Wiping cloths usage

V41 Toilet facilities

Nov 18, 2024 — Complaint Full· 6 violations · Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V02 Employee health policy

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V38 Waste properly disposed

Sep 18, 2024 — Complaint Full· 15 violations (1 high priority)· Emergency Order Callback Not Complied

Sep 18, 2024 — Complaint Full· 11 violations (1 high priority)· Emergency Order Callback Time Extension

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V02 Employee health policy

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V38 Waste properly disposed

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected

Sep 17, 2024 — Complaint Full· 32 violations (8 high priority)· Emergency order recommended

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V02 Employee health policy

V03 Employee health reporting

V06 Handwashing facilities

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V21 Time as control

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

V24 Toxic substance control

V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V33 Proper cooling equipment

V35 Single-use items

V36 Proper ventilation

V38 Waste properly disposed

V43 Premises maintained

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected

Mar 18, 2024 — Routine - Food· 3 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V14 Food contact surfaces

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

Nov 20, 2023 — Routine - Food· 6 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V36 Proper ventilation

V41 Toilet facilities

Oct 23, 2023 — Routine - Food· 6 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V03 Employee health reporting

V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V36 Proper ventilation

V40 Wiping cloths usage

Jul 6, 2023 — Routine - Food· 1 violations · Call Back - Complied

Intermediate Violations

V36 Proper ventilation

May 1, 2023 — Routine - Food· 9 violations (1 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V06 Handwashing facilities

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V14 Food contact surfaces

V23 Chemical properly stored

V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V36 Proper ventilation

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected

Nov 8, 2022 — Routine - Food· 8 violations (2 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

V22 Consumer advisory

V24 Toxic substance control

Intermediate Violations

V38 Waste properly disposed

V40 Wiping cloths usage

Mar 11, 2022 — Routine - Food· 5 violations (2 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V06 Handwashing facilities

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V22 Consumer advisory

Mar 11, 2022 — Routine - Food· 0 violations · Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Jan 10, 2022 — Routine - Food· 11 violations (4 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V03 Employee health reporting

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

V16 Proper cooking temps

V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

Basic Violations

V51 Premises clean

V53 Outer openings protected

Oct 12, 2020 — Complaint Full· 10 violations (1 high priority)· Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V03 Employee health reporting

V06 Handwashing facilities

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V10 Approved food source

V16 Proper cooking temps

V22 Consumer advisory

V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V41 Toilet facilities

Aug 20, 2020 — Routine - Food· 7 violations (1 high priority)· Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V21 Time as control

V22 Consumer advisory

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

Basic Violations

V50 Adequate lighting

Jan 16, 2020 — Routine - Food· 10 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V10 Approved food source

V14 Food contact surfaces

V16 Proper cooking temps

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V35 Single-use items

V36 Proper ventilation

Oct 16, 2019 — Routine - Food· 1 violations · Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V10 Approved food source

Oct 7, 2019 — Routine - Food· 7 violations (1 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V10 Approved food source

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

Jan 7, 2019 — Food-Licensing Inspection· 4 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V22 Consumer advisory

V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V36 Proper ventilation

V38 Waste properly disposed

Jun 4, 2018 — Complaint Full· 10 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V02 Employee health policy

V06 Handwashing facilities

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V10 Approved food source

V14 Food contact surfaces

V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V38 Waste properly disposed

Jan 17, 2018 — Complaint Full· 8 violations · Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V06 Handwashing facilities

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V36 Proper ventilation

Jan 8, 2018 — Complaint Full· 1 violations · Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V14 Food contact surfaces

Nov 8, 2017 — Complaint Full· 10 violations (1 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V06 Handwashing facilities

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V10 Approved food source

V14 Food contact surfaces

V21 Time as control

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

Basic Violations

V53 Outer openings protected

Jul 31, 2017 — Complaint Full· 1 violations · Call Back - Complied

Intermediate Violations

V36 Proper ventilation

Jul 28, 2017 — Complaint Full· 13 violations (3 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V02 Employee health policy

V03 Employee health reporting

V06 Handwashing facilities

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V36 Proper ventilation

May 12, 2017 — Complaint Full· 9 violations · Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy

V05 Handwashing procedures

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V14 Food contact surfaces

V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V36 Proper ventilation

May 11, 2017 — Complaint Full· 21 violations (3 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V01 Management awareness

V02 Employee health policy

V03 Employee health reporting

V05 Handwashing procedures

V06 Handwashing facilities

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V10 Approved food source

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V36 Proper ventilation

Feb 9, 2017 — Complaint Full· 7 violations · Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V14 Food contact surfaces

V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V36 Proper ventilation

Feb 8, 2017 — Complaint Full· 16 violations (2 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V06 Handwashing facilities

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V10 Approved food source

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V23 Chemical properly stored

Intermediate Violations

V29 Proper sewage disposal

V35 Single-use items

V36 Proper ventilation

V41 Toilet facilities

Dec 13, 2016 — Routine - Food· 2 violations · Call Back - Complied

High Priority Violations

V14 Food contact surfaces

V23 Chemical properly stored

Dec 7, 2016 — Routine - Food· 16 violations (2 high priority)· Warning Issued

High Priority Violations

V02 Employee health policy

V03 Employee health reporting

V06 Handwashing facilities

V08 Proper hand/arm washing

V12 Shell stock requirements

V14 Food contact surfaces

V22 Consumer advisory

V23 Chemical properly stored

V25 Allergen awareness

Intermediate Violations

V31 Clean multi-use utensils

V35 Single-use items

How Does This Facility Compare?

BUFFET CITY has had 1 emergency closures, compared to the Polk County average of 0.11 closures per facility. It has averaged 9.1 violations per inspection vs. the county average of 1.93.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many health inspections has BUFFET CITY had?: BUFFET CITY has had 33 inspections according to Florida DBPR records.
Has BUFFET CITY ever been shut down?: Yes, BUFFET CITY has been shut down 1 time by state inspectors.
What are the most common violations at BUFFET CITY?: The most frequently cited violations at BUFFET CITY are: Food contact surfaces, Proper hand/arm washing, Consumer advisory.

Nearby Establishments

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23 inspections · 55 violations

Last inspected: Apr 7, 2025

CULVER'S

888 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD, Winter Haven

11 inspections · 45 violations

Last inspected: Feb 24, 2025

DENNY'S

894 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD, Winter Haven

27 inspections · 150 violations

Last inspected: Jan 13, 2025

LOVE PHO & BOBA 2 WINTER HAVEN

130 SE PLAZA ROADWAY, Winter Haven

4 inspections · 8 violations

Last inspected: Apr 7, 2025

Editorial Standards & Data Oversight

Data Source: This report is based on official public inspection records from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

Editorial Process: Content generated using AI to synthesize complex regulatory data, then reviewed and verified for accuracy by our editorial team.

Professional Review: All content undergoes standards and compliance oversight by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., Nationally Registered EMT & BU-trained Paralegal, using professional regulatory data auditing protocols.

Last verified: November 19, 2024 | Our methodology | Editorial standards | Report an error

This page is maintained by FloridaFoodSafety.org and is not affiliated with BUFFET CITY.