CHINA BUFFET
East Fowler Avenue
Tampa, Florida, 33612
Hillsborough County County
Overall Food Safety Rating
★½☆☆☆ (1.6/5)
Based on 8 health inspection reports
Location Map
Loading map...
Nearby Locations
All Inspection Reports
Inspection on 3/24/2025
High Priority
0
Intermediate
0
Basic
3
Total
3
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 32-04-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-24: **Time Extended**
- 14-69-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Chest freezer in rear storage room and sushi area. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-24: **Time Extended**
- 22-16-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues throughout kitchen heavily soiled. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-03-24: **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 3/24/2025 revealed 3 total violations (0 high priority, 0 intermediate, 3 basic).
Inspection on 3/21/2025
High Priority
1
Intermediate
2
Basic
9
Total
12
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 32-04-4:Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Repeat Violation Warning
- 14-01-5:Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food in containers in dry storage area. Repeat Violation Warning
- 35A-03-4:Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach located at beverage station. Admin Complaint
- 36-17-5:Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair on cookline. Repeat Violation Warning
- 14-69-4:Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Chest freezer in rear storage room and sushi area. Repeat Violation Warning
- 36-62-4:Basic - Light not functioning on exhaust hood Repeat Violation Warning
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. gaskets soiled on walk-in cooler door and freezer doors Warning
- 22-16-4:Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues throughout kitchen heavily soiled. Repeat Violation Warning
- 36-27-5:Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust behind cookline. Repeat Violation Warning
- 35A-05-4:High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 live roaches in kitchen across from ovens Admin Complaint
- 31A-09-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times by fryer. Corrected On-Site Warning
- 02C-02-5:Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Bins of cooked product held overnight not date marked. Corrected On-Site Warning
Food safety inspection conducted on 3/21/2025 revealed 12 total violations (1 high priority, 2 intermediate, 9 basic).
Inspection on 11/15/2024
High Priority
1
Intermediate
6
Basic
13
Total
20
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin in kitchen and beverage stations. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 32-04-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 14-01-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food in containers in dry storage area. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 36-36-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling tile missing over walk-in cooler. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 36-17-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair on cookline. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 14-69-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Chest freezer in rear storage room and sushi area. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 10-08-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice on server station and sushi station beverage station. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 22-13-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Iced tea dispenser not cleaned at least once every 24 hours in beverage area. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 23-03-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. gaskets soiled on all prep table doors, walk-in cooler door,and freezer doors Exterior of reach in coolers heavily soiled throughout establishment, sushi station cookline, prep line, and beverage stations. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 22-16-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues on Prep tables in kitchen heavily soiled. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 25-09-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Single-service items for customer self-service not properly protected to prevent contamination. Not placed under sneeze guard. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 36-27-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust behind cookline. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 02D-01-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Large white containers in dry storage area contain white substance. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 41-10-4:High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Server station by utensils and by cans at sushi station Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda nozzles Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 31A-09-4:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times by fryer and cook line. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 31B-03-4:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink by fryer Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 22-31-4:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Shelves in walk-in cooler. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 53B-13-5:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
- 08B-07-4:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Serving utensil not provided for each food item at self-service salad bar/buffet. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-15: **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 11/15/2024 revealed 20 total violations (1 high priority, 6 intermediate, 13 basic).
Inspection on 11/13/2024
High Priority
5
Intermediate
9
Basic
19
Total
34
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin in kitchen and beverage stations. Warning
- 32-04-4:Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Warning
- 14-01-5:Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food in containers in dry storage area. Warning
- 36-36-4:Basic - Ceiling tile missing over walk-in cooler. Warning
- 36-22-4:Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water on cookline Repeat Violation Warning
- 36-17-5:Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair on cookline. Repeat Violation Warning
- 08B-38-4:Basic - Food stored on floor multiple containers in walk-in cooler and sushi area. Warning
- 14-69-4:Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Chest freezer in rear storage room and sushi area. Repeat Violation Warning
- 10-08-5:Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice on server station and sushi station beverage station. Warning
- 22-13-5:Basic - Iced tea dispenser not cleaned at least once every 24 hours in beverage area. Warning
- 36-62-4:Basic - Light not functioning on exhaust hood. Warning
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. gaskets soiled on all prep table doors, walk-in cooler door,and freezer doors Exterior of reach in coolers heavily soiled throughout establishment, sushi station cookline, prep line, and beverage stations. Warning
- 22-16-4:Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues on Prep tables in kitchen heavily soiled. Warning
- 21-44-1:Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles at beverage station and under three compartment sink. Warning
- 25-09-4:Basic - Single-service items for customer self-service not properly protected to prevent contamination. Not placed under sneeze guard. Warning
- 08B-12-5:Basic - Stored food not covered in walk-in, and prep tables in kitchen. Warning
- 08B-17-4:Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food in walk-in cooler. Unwashed Cabbage, lettuce, and broccoli over raw chicken and raw steak. Warning
- 36-27-5:Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust behind cookline. Warning
- 02D-01-5:Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Large white containers in dry storage area contain white substance. Repeat Violation Warning
- 08A-20-5:High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over steak strips in walk-in cooler. Warning
- 03A-20-4:High Priority - Shell eggs received in a unit not maintaining an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. On prep line at 58F. Warning
- 01B-02-5:High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. raw chicken (48F - Cold Holding); steak strips (46F - Cold Holding). Repeat Violation Warning
- 03A-02-5:High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. raw shelled eggs (58F - Cold Holding); noodles (47F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (50F - Cold Holding); Repeat Violation Admin Complaint
- 41-10-4:High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Server station by utensils and by cans at sushi station Warning
- 03D-15-4:Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. raw chicken (48F - Cold Holding); steak strips (46F - Cold Holding). pork at 59F reheating operator related to 167F - Reheating). Repeat Violation Warning
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda nozzles Warning
- 31A-09-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times by fryer and cook line. Repeat Violation Warning
- 53A-05-6:Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Warning
- 31B-03-4:Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink by fryer Warning
- 22-31-4:Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Shelves in walk-in cooler. Warning
- 53B-13-5:Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning
- 02C-02-5:Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked in walk-in cooler multiple containers of chicken, pork and steak not date marked. Warning
- 08B-07-4:Intermediate - Serving utensil not provided for each food item at self-service salad bar/buffet. Warning
- 46-01-4:Marked exit/path to marked exit blocked in kitchen area. For reporting purposes only. Corrected On-Site
Food safety inspection conducted on 11/13/2024 revealed 34 total violations (5 high priority, 9 intermediate, 19 basic).
Inspection on 4/22/2024
High Priority
2
Intermediate
0
Basic
5
Total
7
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 36-73-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -cook line under equipment Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-22: **Time Extended**
- 36-17-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles in disrepair. -several locations in back Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-22: **Time Extended**
- 14-69-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. -ice cream station, with open containers of ice cream Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-22: **Time Extended**
- 23-03-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -equipment/refrigerator exterior -surface of soap dispenser on cook line Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-22: **Time Extended**
- 02D-01-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-22: **Time Extended**
- 08A-05-6:High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food inside walk in cooler. -raw shrimp above cut vegetables inside walk in cooler Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-22: -raw meat stored above melon **Time Extended** Corrected On-Site
- 03D-07-5:High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food removed from cold holding for necessary preparation rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit during the preparation process and was not cooled back down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. -seafood krab salad inside walk in cooler overnight, person in charge stated prepped prior night Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-22: not observed **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 4/22/2024 revealed 7 total violations (2 high priority, 0 intermediate, 5 basic).
Inspection on 4/19/2024
High Priority
7
Intermediate
6
Basic
10
Total
23
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 14-45-4:Basic - Cardboard used to line top of oven Warning
- 36-22-4:Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing wastewater. -near dish machine Warning
- 36-73-4:Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -cook line under equipment Warning
- 36-17-5:Basic - Floor tiles in disrepair. -several locations in back Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Warning
- 14-69-4:Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. -ice cream station, with open containers of ice cream Warning
- 10-07-4:Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. -Buffett station Warning
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -equipment/refrigerator exterior -surface of soap dispenser on cook line Warning
- 36-64-5:Basic - Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. -restrooms, manager stated from recent grease trap cleaning Warning
- 08B-12-5:Basic - Stored food not covered. -inside walk in cooler Warning
- 02D-01-5:Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Warning
- 12A-12-4:High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. -employee handling raw meat during prep handled prepped ready to eat food without washing hands Warning
- 29-46-4:High Priority - Hose attached to dipperwell faucet eliminating required air gap. Corrected On-Site Warning
- 08A-05-6:High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food inside walk in cooler. -raw shrimp above cut vegetables inside walk in cooler Warning
- 01B-02-5:High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. krab salad 55F, cooked noodles 56F, cooked chicken 52F, crab legs 50F, krab 51F, , cream cheese 55F, shredded mozzarella cheese 53F from overnight inside walknin cooler. Warning
- 03A-02-5:High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -cooked pork 55F, cooked chicken 51F, cooked shrimp 55F, raw shrimp 51F, raw shrimp 53F inside 2 door cooler across from ice machine, manager stated leas than 2 hours inside cooler...moved to other location to cool down. -inside walk in cooler, seafood 55F, cooked noodles 56F, cooked chicken 52F, crab legs 50F, krab 51F, , cream cheese 55F, shredded mozzarella cheese 53F from overnight inside walknin cooler. See stop sale -raw pork 54F, raw beef 54F, raw poultry 53F, cooked shrimp 51F, raw shrimp 52Finside makeline cooler across from woksraw salmon 51F Warning
- 03F-02-5:High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Warning
- 03D-07-5:High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food removed from cold holding for necessary preparation rose above 41 degrees Fahrenheit during the preparation process and was not cooled back down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. -seafood krab salad inside walk in cooler overnight, person in charge stated prepped prior night Warning
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -small white cutting board inside kitchen across from oven, significant soil build up -interior of ice bin Warning
- 31A-09-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -hand sink disconected at drain in back of kitchen, stacked with pans/equipment. -obstruction to handsink access Warning
- 31A-11-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Warning
- 16-37-1:Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Warning
- 31B-03-4:Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Corrected On-Site Warning
- 02C-02-5:Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Warning
Food safety inspection conducted on 4/19/2024 revealed 23 total violations (7 high priority, 6 intermediate, 10 basic).
Inspection on 11/16/2023
High Priority
0
Intermediate
2
Basic
9
Total
11
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 36-36-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Above walk in cooler - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
- 36-34-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Kitchen Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
- 36-62-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Couple Light not functioning in kitchen - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
- 14-17-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Dry stock shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
- 12B-07-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Dish room next to clean dishes - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
- 36-73-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Behind the ice machine in kitchen - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
- 36-11-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Dish area - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
- 22-08-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Red on in server station Corrected On-Site - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
- 02D-01-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Rice and sugar bin in dry item storage area - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Prep cutting boards stained - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
- 02C-02-5:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-16: **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 11/16/2023 revealed 11 total violations (0 high priority, 2 intermediate, 9 basic).
Inspection on 11/15/2023
High Priority
6
Intermediate
3
Basic
12
Total
21
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 35A-03-4:Basic - 4 Dead roaches on premises. Wall behind dish machine Manager had cleaned and area sanitized Corrected On-Site Warning
- 14-01-5:Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Half pan in ice machine Corrected On-Site
- 36-36-4:Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Above walk in cooler
- 36-34-5:Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Kitchen Repeat Violation
- 36-62-4:Basic - Couple Light not functioning in kitchen
- 14-17-4:Basic - Dry stock shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
- 12B-07-4:Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Dish room next to clean dishes
- 36-73-4:Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Behind the ice machine in kitchen
- 36-11-4:Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Dish area
- 10-01-5:Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Rice and sugar bin in dry storage room Corrected On-Site
- 22-08-4:Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Red on in server station Corrected On-Site
- 02D-01-5:Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Rice and sugar bin in dry item storage area
- 08B-56-4:High Priority - Food stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Bottle of apple juice in drink ice bin at server side station
- 08A-04-5:High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw pork over unwashed watermelons in walk on cooler
- 08A-05-6:High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken over cooked fish
- 35A-05-4:High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 by reach in cooler in server area Manager killed and sanitized area Corrected On-Site Warning
- 12A-09-4:High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Server washed hands with gloves on in sink by three comp sink and proceeded went back to floor Manager corrected her **Corrective Action Taken**
- 01B-13-4:High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Bottle of apple juice in drink ice bin at server side station
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Prep cutting boards stained
- 31A-09-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. 1)Half pan in sink on cooks line 2) cart in front of hand sink by fryer Corrected On-Site
- 02C-02-5:Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked.
Food safety inspection conducted on 11/15/2023 revealed 21 total violations (6 high priority, 3 intermediate, 12 basic).