Inspection Report

Business Name
China Buffet
Business Address
17119 N LITCHFIELD RD SURPRISE AZ 85374
Permit Number
FD-18411
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
3/11/2024
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
1
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 10

Description: Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and Accessible

Comments:

Priority Foundation-5-205.11, Pf: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox---Handwashing.

Both the hand washing sink in the dish washing area and by the back door had items stored inside the sink. Spoke with PIC and items were removed from the hand washing sinks. Ensure hand washing sinks are always readily available and are only used for hand washing procedures.

Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Violation #: 16

Repeat Violation

Description: Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and Sanitized

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-501.114, P: Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces.

Observed 0ppm of chlorine sanitizer at the mechanical ware washing machine. PIC ran machine one more time and checked chemical dispenser connections and there was no change to concentration. PIC directed kitchen associates to stop using the machine until a service technician can repair the machine. Establishment will use the three compartment sink for manual ware washing until the unit can be repaired. Ensure the chlorine concentration is between 50ppm- 100ppm for active sanitizing of dishes.

Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection,Repeat Violations: 2nd

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

Core-6-202.15, C: Outer Openings, Protected.

Weather stripping is missing under the back door in the kitchen area. Ensure it is replaced to prevent pests from entering the establishment.

Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

Violation #: 43

Description: In-Use Utensils; Properly Stored

Comments:

Core-3-304.12 , C: In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage.

Scoops and cups stored inside bulk dried storage item bins with handles resting on product. Ensure scoop handles are not touching the product inside the bins or remove the scoops completely.

Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Violation #: 47

Repeat Violation

Description: Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and Used

Comments:

Core-4-202.16, C: Nonfood-Contact Surfaces.

Metal shelves above the three compartment sink, inside the reach-in/walk-in coolers, and dry storage areas have grease and food debris build up. Ensure they are cleaned by next routine inspection.

Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection,Repeat Violations: 2nd

Violation #: 48

Description: Warewashing Facilities, Installed, Maintained, Used, Test Strips

Comments:

Priority Foundation-4-302.14, Pf: Sanitizing Solutions, Testing Devices. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces.

Establishment does not have test strips for QUAT sanitizer. A re-inspection will occur within 10 days to verify that test strips have been obtained for the establishment. Ensure test strips are available for testing sanitizer concentration.

Correct By: Correct Prior To Reinspection

Violation #: 55

Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean

Comments:

Core-6-201.11, C: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability.

Floor tiles cracked and/or missing throughout the kitchen and walk-in coolers. Ensure tiles are replaced or repaired so that the floor is smooth and easily cleanable.

Core-6-501.12, C: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions.

Dust/grease built up on vents and ceiling tiles in the kitchen. Ensure they are cleaned by next routine inspection.

Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

Comments/Details

This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 1 Priority, 2 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.
No County legal action will result from this inspection.

A pattern of non-compliance is developing for Priority violation # [14], [4-501.114], which has been noted during this inspection. An Active Managerial Control Intervention Visit was offered to the person in charge. Failure to correct repeat violations may result in legal action. AMC training is set for 3/26/24 at 2pm.

Inspection rights reviewed with Eric L.
Inspection report emailed.

On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal. If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:
• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or
• Contact the Department using the email addresses below,
o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)
o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)
o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)
o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)
If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below website https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.



Award: Not Participating,Signer: Eric Lu

"A" for Food Safety

Through our grading system, Maricopa County Environmental Services Department provides at-a-glance indications of how food establishments perform during food safety inspections. This system is designed to grade food establishments in terms of food safety requirements and provide recognition to those who choose to participate.

How does it work?

The issuance of grade cards to food establishments is based on voluntary participation. The person in charge, who is present during the inspection, will be asked whether they would like to participate in the Grading System. This will be decided prior to each inspection. If an establishment does not participate in the Grading System, Not Participating or NP will appear on the inspection report, and the inspection will still occur. If an establishment does participate, a grade of A, B, C, or D will be determined at the conclusion of the inspection using the Grading System chart below. Participating establishments will then be provided with a grade card that can be posted in the establishment. The status of the establishment’s grade will also appear on the Restaurant Ratings page of the department’s website.

How can I determine the grade?

The Grading System chart can be used to determine grades earned for establishments that do not participate. Grades are determined by the number of Priority and Priority Foundation violations received at the time of inspection. Violation types are defined in general terms below.

Definitions

Priority Violation
Major violation that directly contributes to increasing the risk of foodborne illness or injury (e.g. Food employees do not properly wash hands when required).
Priority Foundation Violation
Minor violation that does not directly contribute to an increased risk of foodborne illness but failure to correct this violation may lead to the occurrence of a priority violation. For example, hand washing soap and paper towels not available at hand wash sink (may lead directly to food employees not properly washing hands when required).
Core Violation
Minor violation that relates to general maintenance and sanitation (e.g. No sign reminding employees to wash hands).
Cutting Edge Program
All county food-related establishments can partner with Maricopa County to implement a proactive approach to reducing foodborne illness risk factors by implementing food safety systems that include policies, training, and verification processes. Partners enrolled in the Cutting Edge Program receive an A+ when an A is earned.
Grading System The matrix below is used to grade food inspections under the voluntary grading system.
Violation Category Grade A Grade B Grade B Grade B Grade B Grade B Grade B Grade B Grade C Grade C Grade C Grade C Grade C Grade C Grade D Grade D
Priority 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 2 2 more than 2 more than 3
Priority Foundation 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 5 3 4 0 1 2 more than 3 more than 0

Any legal action for a pattern of non-compliance or permit suspension results in a D.