Although the violations required further review, they did not result in a closure of the Chinese buffet restaurant in Marion County.
Ocean Buffet, which holds a 4.2-star rating from 4,969 Google reviews, was found to have 4 high-priority, 2 intermediate, and 12 basic violations. Among the most serious were issues with food safety and sanitation.
High Priority Violations: The inspection revealed that the chlorine sanitizer in the dishwashing machine was not at the proper minimum strength, registering at only 10 parts per million (ppm). Inspectors advised discontinuing the use of the machine until it could be properly sanitized.
Additionally, raw animal food was improperly stored over unwashed produce, posing a significant risk of cross-contamination. Temperatures in the walk-in cooler were also concerning, with poultry, beef, shrimp, and calamari all held above the safe threshold of 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Three trays of egg rolls were found hot held at only 105 degrees Fahrenheit, below the required 135 degrees Fahrenheit, necessitating immediate corrective action.
Intermediate Violations: Intermediate issues included food-contact surfaces, such as a cutting board with mold-like stains, and improper use of the handwash sink, which had a metal scrub pad in it.
Basic Violations: Basic violations were numerous and varied, including the use of a bowl with no handle to dispense ice, lack of a covered waste receptacle in the unisex bathroom, and employee personal items stored above food preparation areas. Other infractions included improper air-drying of equipment, grease receptacles not on proper surfaces, ice buildup in freezers, and various cleanliness issues.
Despite these violations, the follow-up inspection on May 7, 2024, showed significant improvements, with no violations noted, leading to a more favorable review.
Local patrons have mixed feelings about the establishment.
Kathy Sherlock praised the staff's assistance and kindness, particularly highlighting the support she received due to her tremors, which made carrying plates difficult.
She appreciated the good food and attentive service and vowed to return.
Great place to eat. I have tremors and was having a hard time carrying my plate and the wait staff came right up to help me out. When I went back to get dessert she was right there to help me out. First buffet restaurant that helped me with my plates. I want to thank them all for being so kind. Food was very good, will return.
Conversely, another local guide, Cityboy, expressed frustration with language barriers, which he felt hindered communication.
Violations List:
Basic Violations:
Bowl with no handle used to dispense food
No covered waste receptacle in the unisex bathroom
Employee personal items stored above food prep areas
Equipment not properly air-dried
Grease receptacle not on proper pad
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer
Nonfood-contact surfaces soiled
Open dumpster lid
Single-service articles improperly stored
Stored food not covered
Water leaking from pipe/faucet
Wet mop not stored properly
High Priority Violations:
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper strength
Raw animal food stored over unwashed produce
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held above 41°F
Time/temperature control for safety food hot held below 135°F
Intermediate Violations:
Food-contact surface soiled with mold-like substance
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing
Questions for Local Residents:
Given the recent violations, do you feel confident dining at Ocean Buffet?
How important is it for you to see immediate corrective actions taken after health inspections?
Would the positive follow-up inspection encourage you to visit Ocean Buffet again?
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