Broward County's China Ichiban Buffet in Deerfield Beach, FL, cited for 15 health violations

China Ichiban Buffet linePhoto byIchiban Buffet

A Chinese buffet restaurant in Deerfield Beach was recently inspected by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation and cited for 15 violations, including five high-priority issues related to cross-contamination of raw animal foods.

The restaurant in question is China Ichiban Buffet, located at 800 S Federal Hwy. This eatery received a routine inspection on May 13th, 2024.

While not requiring immediate closure, the buffet was instructed to follow up on correcting the violations, four of which were intermediate and six basic. Due to the severity of some repeat violations, an administrative complaint was also recommended.

China Ichiban Buffet, which holds a 3.9-star Google rating from 1,934 reviews, received mixed feedback from customers. While some praised the variety and vegetarian options, one reviewer described it as "Dirty & unhygienic" with "extremely rude" service.

Another stated the "food provided was cold and of poor quality."

High Priority Violations

During the inspection, several high-priority violations were identified, prompting concerns over food safety. Notably, there were issues with the proper storage of raw animal foods.

Containers of raw chicken were found stored above dumplings, and a bucket of raw shrimp in the walk-in cooler, a clear violation of food safety protocols. Additionally, cartons of raw shell eggs were improperly placed over cooked rice.

Moreover, 12 cracked or broken shell eggs were found in the walk-in cooler, posing a potential health hazard. The inspection also revealed that some food items, such as raw shell eggs, were held at temperatures exceeding the safe limit of 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Intermediate Violations

Intermediate violations included the improper cleanliness of food-contact surfaces, such as a can opener blade and the absence of paper towels at handwash sinks.

Containers of crabmeat, salmon, and seaweed salad were moved from the freezer without proper date marking.

Basic Violations

Basic violations were also noted, such as employee personal items being stored in food preparation areas and debris accumulation on the floors.

While some diners, like Andrea Jones, expressed dissatisfaction, describing the restaurant as "dirty and unhygienic" with non-existent service, others, like Rogério Silva, praised the restaurant for its healthy food options and good service.

Rogério Silva said on Google Reviews:

Great restaurant. Good service and quality, healthy food. All very good. 😋❤️ Vegetarian options: Salads in general and other dishes.

- High Priority Violations:

• - Shell eggs held at improper temperatures
• - Cracked/broken shell eggs present
• - Improper separation of raw animal foods
• - Dented cans requiring discarding

- Intermediate Violations:

• - Soiled food-contact surfaces
• - Lack of handwash supplies
• - Improper date marking of ready-to-eat foods
• - Failure to track time/temp control for safety foods

- Basic Violations:

• - Improper personal item storage
• - Debris accumulation on floors
• - Damaged floor tiles
• - Improper utensil/equipment storage
• - Other sanitation infractions

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation conducts routine inspections of food service establishments to ensure compliance with state health codes.

NOTE: Please note that an inspection report, per the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, provides a snapshot of the conditions observed during the inspection. It's essential to recognize that the number of violations noted during an assessment may vary on different days, and a single review may only partially represent the all-around, long-term conditions at the establishment.