Mesa Buffet Restaurant Cited For 12 Health Violations

A local restaurant was cited for a dozen health code violations.Photo byMikael SeegenonUnsplash

Buffet restaurants are more than a struggle for restaurants to stay on top of the food quality. With dozens, if not hundreds of items sitting out on heated platters, it requires the restaurant to stay vigilant, constantly monitoring the food as well as temperatures. Combined with all the food and prep work going on in the kitchen, in terms of health safety requirements it is far different from a traditional restaurant. It is a wonder there aren’t as many all-you-can-eat buffets around Phoenix any longer. It truly is a display of restaurant analytics. However, not all remaining buffets ace the analytics, as one restaurant recently proved after receiving a D grade on its recent health inspection. 

On July 11, Lin’s Grand Buffet was visited by a health inspector at 1215 South Ellsworth Road. Lin’s Grand Buffet has been all over the map when it comes to its health scores over the years. The restaurant received one A grade, with zero violations back in November of 2022. However, surrounding that inspection the restaurant has received multiple D grades. During the most recent inspection, a total of 12 violations were found. Six of these were of the Priority Violation variety. 

A Priority Violation is one that directly contributes to foodborne illness or injury. Receiving three Priority Violations during a single inspection automatically results in a D grade. 

The first Priority Violation came when the inspector watched an individual wash their gloved hands for less than five seconds, without using soap. Before the employee could return to work the inspector stopped them to address the situation.

Another employee was observed eating food before directly picking up raw fish, never washing his hands in the process. Other individuals were seen handling their phones and then restocking food without washing their hands. The health inspector discussed the importance of hand washing with the entire staff.

Food storage order is important as it helps reduce food contamination. It is why raw meat and eggs must be stored at the bottom of a walk-in cooler, to avoid the potential of dripping. During the inspection, the inspector found raw beef stored above raw octopus. 

A meat shredder and food processor were corroded with food debris, despite not being in use. The appliances were washed and fully cleaned at the time of the inspection. The restaurant was also using a sanitation solution that was not food or restaurant-safe, which can lead to potentially dangerous chemical contamination. The inspector pointed out the issue and instructed the staff to use an approved solution while cleaning in the future.