Ichigo Ichie Buffet in Sanford, Florida, was cited for 28 violations in Seminole County

Ichigo Ichie BuffetPhoto byJeremiah R./Yelp

Ichigo Ichie Buffet, an all-you-can-eat Chinese, Japanese, and American restaurant in Sanford, Florida, was cited for 28 violations during a complaint inspection by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation on October 4, 2024.

The establishment, located at 3611 S Orlando Dr., received three high-priority, five intermediate, and 20 basic violations, state records revealed.

This is What Happened During The Inspection

As a result of the finds during the initial inspection, the Seminole County eatery required a follow-up inspection to address the issues. A subsequent review on October 8, 2024, found 13 remaining violations, but the restaurant met inspection standards on the same day.

Among the high-priority violations, inspectors noted unsuitable food storage, with raw chicken stored above sliced mushrooms in the walk-in cooler. Temperature management issues were also identified, with various foods held at temperatures above the safe degrees for food safety.

These included cooked mussels and shrimp on the buffet line, as well as chicken, egg rolls, and seafood items in coolers.

Intermediate violations included issues with clam, mussel, and oyster tags not being properly maintained or marked. Food-contact surfaces were found dirtied, and handwashing sinks lacked soap.

Basic violations ranged from mold-like substances in the ice machine to floor tiles in disrepair and unacceptable food storage practices.

The Follow-up Inspection
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A follow-up inspection was conducted on October 8, 2024, and found 13 remaining violations, including one high-priority violation along with 11 basic infractions.

Despite these issues, Ichigo Ichie Buffet maintains a 4.0-star rating from 2,746 Google reviews, suggesting its popularity among local diners.

However, a recent customer voiced mixed reactions after their visit.

Stavros.N, a local guide with well over 100 reviews, shared on Google reviews:

It is what you expect from a Chinese buffet. The food varieties are diverse, a sushi bar, a hibachi grill. Ice cream and desserts. Do not expect a lot of service, that is not in the dictionary of Chinese buffets. However, they replenish the food promptly.

High Priority Violations:

• Time/temperature management for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit
• Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food

Share Your Thoughts:

1. How do you balance food safety concerns with the appeal of all-you-can-eat buffets?
2. What measures do you expect restaurants to take in maintaining proper food temperatures?
3. How much do inspection reports influence your dining choices?

Please note that each inspection report is a "snapshot" of conditions present at the time of the inspection, so please continue to visit the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation for updates.