Marion County's China Lee Buffet cited for 34 health violations in Ocala, Florida

China Lee Buffet linePhoto byChina Lee Buffet / Canva

The China Lee Buffet in Ocala faces multiple health and safety violations after a recent inspection by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.

The popular dining spot, known for its expansive selection of Chinese and Japanese cuisine, was cited for a total of 34 violations, including 10 high-priority issues that pose a potential threat to public health.

Despite its local appeal and a strong 4.4-star rating on Google, the establishment did not escape scrutiny during a routine inspection on April 11, 2024, which resulted in an administrative complaint and a recommendation for a follow-up inspection.

High-Priority Violations:

High-priority violations, which could directly lead to foodborne illnesses, were particularly concerning. Notably, employees were observed switching from handling raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing their hands—a basic yet critical food safety practice.

There were also instances of food contamination, such as coffee creamer stored improperly in an ice bin and raw animal foods stored above ready-to-eat items in the sushi cooler, risking cross-contamination.

To address these urgent issues, corrective actions were taken on-site during the inspection. For instance, contaminated items were moved, and employees corrected their handling practices.

Intermediate and Basic Violations:

Intermediate violations included problems with handwashing facilities, such as missing soap and paper towels and using handwash sinks for non-handwashing purposes. These issues, while less severe than high-priority violations, still require timely correction to prevent escalation.

Basic violations covered a range of sanitation and operational practices, including the improper storage of food and utensils and issues with equipment maintenance. For instance, the cold holding equipment was not functioning correctly, with temperatures recorded well above the safe threshold of 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Despite the array of violations, it is important to note that the establishment was not ordered to close. The violations identified require further review but are not considered an immediate threat to public health at this stage.

Local Impact and Next Steps:

China Lee Buffet is expected to remain a popular choice among locals for its all-you-can-eat offerings and pleasant ambiance.

However, the number and nature of the violations highlight the need for ongoing caution and improvement in daily operations to ensure food safety and restore consumer confidence fully.

China Lee Buffet High-Priority Violations

• Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands.
• Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands.
• Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands.
• Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure.
• Food contaminated by employees. See stop sale. Coffee creamer stored inside ice bin used to ice foods.
• Food stored in ice used for drinks. See stop sale. Coffee creamer stored inside ice bin used to ice foods.
• Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.
• Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored.
• Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb.