Popular Alachua, FL Chinese Restaurant Temporarily Closed After Rodent Infestation & 15 Violations

China Express AlachuaPhoto byYelp / Lau R.

A Chinese restaurant in Alachua, Florida, was temporarily shut down by state inspectors after they found rodent droppings, moldy food, and numerous other violations during a routine inspection earlier this month.

What Happened During The Inspection?

China Express on U.S. Highway 441 was ordered temporarily closed on May 17 by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation after inspectors cited the restaurant for 15 total violations, including three high-priority issues.

Additionally, The inspection found 2 intermediate violations and 10 basic violations that posed potential public health threats. This led to an immediate emergency order to temporarily close the restaurant.

According to the inspection report, which arose from a complaint, inspectors observed approximately 45 rodent droppings on the floor throughout the kitchen area, as well as bottles of moldy peppers and nuts in the walk-in cooler.

Chicken was also improperly stored in a container lined with menus instead of food-grade materials, though this violation was corrected on-site.

Basic Violations and Sanitation Lapses

Unsanitary conditions plagued many areas of the facility, with soiled floors and surfaces, improper food storage practices, and equipment in disrepair documented by inspectors. Single-use items were also found being reused or improperly stored.

The restaurant, known for its authentic Chinese cuisine and affordable pricing, was allowed to re-open on May 18 after a follow-up inspection found four basic violations remaining.

China Express in Alachua has garnered a 3.8-star rating from 177 Google reviews, reflecting its generally positive reception in the community.

Some customers praised menu items like the Tso's chicken and egg rolls.

However, one customer, James Morgan, reported finding a "sharp piece of metal" in his food, stating, "it's as if somebody drilled through sheet metal above the food."

- High Priority Violations:

• - Mold-like growth on food items
• - Non-food grade liners used for storing food
• - Rodent infestation evidenced by droppings

- Intermediate Violations:

• - Handwash sink used improperly
• - Lack of date marking on prepared foods
• - Unlabeled chemical bottles

- Basic Violations:

• - Improper food dispensing methods
• - Use of cardboard to line shelves
• - Equipment in disrepair
• - Exterior door gaps
• - Soiled floors and surfaces
• - Improper food storage
• - Reuse of single-use items
• - Walk-in cooler sanitation issues

NOTE: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation conducts routine inspections of food service establishments to ensure compliance with state health codes. While China Express was allowed to reopen after the emergency order, it must take corrective actions to fully meet standards and protect public health.