Seminole, FL China King cited for 21 health and safety violations in Pinellas County

Sweet & Sour Combination PlatterPhoto byYelp / Rob M.

Pinellas County's China King, located at 9394 Oakhurst Rd in Seminole, Florida, has garnered attention following an inspection conducted by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation on August 19, 2024.

This latest inspection revealed 21 violations, comprising 6 high-priority violations, 3 intermediate violations, and 12 basic violations. The restaurant maintains a 4.1-star rating from 126 Google reviews, reflecting its growing popularity among locals.

This is What Happened During The Inspection

High-priority violations included nonfood-grade bags stored in direct contact with food in the freezer and various instances of raw animal foods wrongly stored over ready-to-eat items, such as cut celery in the walk-in cooler.

Additionally, time and temperature control practices were lacking, with items like egg rolls and raw chicken held at temperatures exceeding the safe limit. After these findings, management immediately adjusted cooler settings.

Intermediate infractions highlighted a need for improved employee training. Observations indicated that staff members were not familiar with the correct sequence of washing, rinsing, and cleaning dishes at the three-compartment sink. Moreover, handwashing sinks were often obstructed, impacting their accessibility, a violation that was corrected on-site.

Basic violations further contributed to the restaurant's challenges, such as food stored without suitable coverings and equipment showing signs of uncleanliness, including accumulated debris and soil.

A follow-up inspection is expected to be conducted soon, and current and potential customers will be watching closely to see if China King works to remedy these violations.

Paul Fenochietti shared on Google Reviews: If you haven't indulged in the China King experience, you are missing some of the best food in the area. We have been ordering from our local China King since they reopened and OMG, we love love love it. Do yourself a favor and order.

Questions to think about:

1. How important is food safety when you choose where to dine?
2. Have you ever encountered cleanliness issues at a restaurant?
3. What improvements would you suggest for restaurants to enhance their food safety practices?