Gainesville, FL Ocean Buffet was cited for 20 violations after latest inspection in Alachua County

Ocean Buffet seafood meal.Photo byMary Abar

The Ocean Buffet, a popular Asian buffet in Alachua County, recently underwent a routine inspection by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. The inspection, which originated from a complaint and was conducted on Aug. 21, 2024, revealed a number of violations that require a follow-up inspection.

What The Inspection Revealed

The Chinese restaurant, located at 6795 W Newberry Rd in Gainesville, FL, received 20 violations in total, including 7 high-priority, 3 intermediate, and 10 basic infractions.

Among the high-priority violations were instances of employees handling ready-to-eat food with bare hands and unsuitable storage of raw animal food. Additionally, the restaurant was found to have time/temperature control issues and non-food-grade bags used in direct contact with food.

Intermediate violations included food-contact surfaces soiled with food debris and the use of handwash sinks for purposes other than handwashing.

Basic violations ranged from equipment in poor repair to unsuitable storage of utensils and food.

Despite the restaurant's 4.1-star rating on Google reviews from 4,498 opinions, the inspection results highlight the importance of maintaining strict food safety standards to protect public health.

A recent customer and local guide, Shelda Ann Davis, shared their experience and recommendation in a Google review post:

Recommend doing the hibachi over the buffet. Soup was burnt, Egg rolls soggy, over all average for a Chinese buffet. Not many choices on seafood. Also heads up they don’t do fortune cookies, you get little pear candies. I personally won’t be back.

Share Your Thoughts:

• How can consumers ensure the safety of the food they consume at buffet-style restaurants?
• What steps can restaurants take to prevent common food safety violations?
• Should local health departments increase inspections of popular dining establishments?

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