Golden Chopsticks Buffet: inspection record

Name: Golden Chopsticks Buffet
Address: 225 Cypress Edge Dr, Palm Coast, FL, US

Golden Chopsticks Buffet at 225 Cypress Edge Dr in Palm Coast was last inspected by the Florida DBPR on August 10, 2026. Its most recent routine inspection recorded 11 findings, 1 of them high priority (some high-priority findings). Flagler Food has 12 inspection visits on file for this license since July 1, 2025.

Inspection history

August 10, 2026: Complaint Full

Result: Inspection Completed - No Further Action. 1 high-priority, 3 intermediate and 7 basic findings.

Basic: Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed ice machine deflector soiled with dark mold like substance. Operator removed and cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee on front line engaging in food prep with no hair restraint.
Basic: Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Observed shrimp in cardboard boxes in cooler. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **
Basic: In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife between cooler and fryer. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Hood filters covers soiled with grease build up in kitchen. Observed walk in cooler shelves soiled with mold like build up. **
Basic: Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed reach in cooler shelves soiled with dark build up. Operator cleaned during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in reach in cooler on cookline. Operator cleaned out water. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed 3 compartment sink sanitizer 0 ppm. Operator added bleach sanitizer 50 ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with build up. **
Basic: Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed steel wool inside of hand wash sink at front counter server station. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle with orange liquid substance not labeled. Operator labeled sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site**

April 15, 2026: Complaint Full

Result: Call Back - Extension given, pending. 0 high-priority, 1 intermediate and 0 basic findings.

Basic: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed no hand washing station in ware washing. Observed hand washing station removed from wall of walk-in cooler near 32 ice cream freezer. Observed blue prep sink near removed hand washing station turned into new hand washing station. **Warning**

April 1, 2026: Complaint Full

Result: Administrative complaint recommended. 3 high-priority, 4 intermediate and 13 basic findings.

Basic: Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed green pressurized tank in mop storage room not secured.
Basic: Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed two packages of fully thawed tuna still in its reduced oxygen environment. See stop sale.
Basic: Evidence of employee smoking in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area. Observed partially smoked cigarettes on bagged dry food in storage and prep room near back door. Person in charge clean up all cigarettes from food prep area. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed back exterior screen door framed out with wood with visible light coming from gaps in between wood.
Basic: Food stored on floor. Observed vegetables stored on floor under prep table on hibachi cook line. Discussed with person in charge. Person in charge picked vegetables off floor and placed on prep table. **Corrected On-Site** **
Basic: Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Observed cardboard chicken boxes used a food containers. Observed fried breaded chicken in cardboard boxes. Discussed with person in charge. Person in charge started removing food from boxes. **Corrective Action Taken** **
Basic: Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed glass door reach in freezer near ice machine behind buffet has large amount of built up ice.
Basic: In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handles in bulk storage container touching food product.
Basic: Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Observed shelf above bulk storage containers unsealed wood.
Basic: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed gaskets on flip-top cooler soiled with food debris. Observed dish racks for dish machine soiled with black flaking residue. **
Basic: Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Observed cardboard chicken boxes reused as food storage containers. Discussed with person in charge. Person in charge had employee start removing food from boxes. **Corrective Action Taken**
Basic: Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed mussels and octopus thawing in standing water at room temperature. Person in charge placed in walk-in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **
Basic: Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed. Observed unsealed wood used to frame back door. Observed unsealed wood used as shelves near back door Observed unsealed wood used for repairs on walk-in cooler door. **
Basic: Live, small flying insects found Observed one live flying insect near hot buffet and ice machine. Observed one live flying insect flying above bulk storage containers near walk-in cooler. Observed one live flying insect flying near ice machine at drink station.
Basic: Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above ready to eat rice. Observed raw chicken stored above cooked chicken. Person in charge rearranged products correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **
Basic: Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed two packages of fully thawed tuna still in its reduced oxygen environment. See stop sale.
Basic: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed gaskets can opener blade soiled with food debris. **
Basic: Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Observed hand washing sink removed from hand washing station in ware washing. Observed plumbing pipes, hand wash sign, soap dispenser still on wall. **Warning**
Basic: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed hand washing station near ice machine behind hot buffet missing paper towels.
Basic: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Observed no hand washing station in ware washing. Observed hand washing station removed from wall of walk-in cooler near 32 ice cream freezer. Observed blue prep sink near removed hand washing station turned into new hand washing station. **Warning**

December 31, 2025: Complaint Full

Result: Inspection Completed - No Further Action. 2 high-priority, 4 intermediate and 15 basic findings.

Basic: Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. A can used to scoop sugar. A cup used to scoop rice. Person in charge removed. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. All glass doors and handles on all coolers needs to be cleaned. Glass and door handles are soiled.
Basic: Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Three compartment sink is set up backwards.
Basic: Equipment in poor repair. Handle on rice container needs replacing. It's a wire handle.
Basic: Food stored on floor. Oil on floor. Lemons on fruit cooler floor. Person in charge picked up. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Containers cut in 1/2 used as a scoop for rice. Person in charge discarded containers. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging from fryers. Person in charge removed tongs. **Corrected On-Site** **
Basic: In-use wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Person in charge removed rag. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on cook line reach in freezer are soiled.
Basic: Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Drinks in nearly every cooler. Person in charge removed all drinks. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. On cook line reach in freezer is soiled on bottom shelf. **
Basic: Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Caviar thawing at room temperature.
Basic: Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. In dish room wall is soiled with black mold like substance.
Basic: Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed. Wood containers holding plastic wrap are not sealed.
Basic: Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Rice and sugar not labeled. Person in charge labeled. **Corrected On-Site** **
Basic: Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed person touch his nose and not wash his hands. Addressed immediately and he washed hands. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In front reach in cooler raw chicken over broccoli. Person in charge moved chicken to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener is soiled. **
Basic: Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Pot in front hand washing sink. Person in charge removed pot. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Establishment does not have test strips to check sanitizer.
Basic: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. In dish room. Person in charge labeled. **Corrected On-Site**

November 19, 2025: Complaint Full

Result: Call Back - Complied. 0 high-priority, 0 intermediate and 0 basic findings.

September 26, 2025: Complaint Full

Result: Call Back - Extension given, pending. 0 high-priority, 1 intermediate and 0 basic findings.

Basic: No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Some staff missing training.

September 22, 2025: Complaint Full

Result: Call Back - Extension given, pending. 0 high-priority, 3 intermediate and 0 basic findings.

Basic: Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Three handwash sinks removed from kitchen. One was reinstalled during time of visit. **Warning**
Basic: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Establishment has removed 3 hand washing sinks, replaced 1 but still missing 2 sinks. **Warning**
Basic: No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Some staff missing training.

September 19, 2025: Complaint Full

Result: Warning Issued. 5 high-priority, 7 intermediate and 14 basic findings.

Basic: Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Mold like substance in ice machine. **
Basic: Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cups and used clean can used as scoops in flour, sugar, cornstarch and rice. Person in charge removed all items. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Drain cover(s) missing. Drain cover missing from back drain.
Basic: Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. **
Basic: Equipment in poor repair. Handle missing on rice pot.
Basic: Food stored on floor. Biscuits on floor in kitchen Ginger on floor. Person in charge picked up items. **Corrected On-Site** **
Basic: Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup observed in ice cream cooler.
Basic: In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Knife stored between cooler and table. Person in charge removed knife. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on fryer handle and cart. Person in charge removed tongs. **Corrected On-Site** **
Basic: In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Utensils in standing water at hibachi station. Person in charge emptied water. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Bottom of reach in cooler soiled **
Basic: Stored food not covered. In reach in freezer crab Rangoon not covered.
Basic: Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed. Observed wood not sealed in multiple places throughout the kitchen.
Basic: Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Sugar not labeled. On back line. **
Basic: Food preparation sink has soil/old food residue. Black mold like substance behind three compartment sink.
Basic: Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Non food grade paper towels used between sushi tuna, ahi, escolar, and salmon.
Basic: Single-service containers not constructed with the required characteristics. Non food grade paper towels lining sushi.
Basic: Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Talapia in vacuumed sealed bag. Bag clearly says to keep frozen then unseal bag.
Basic: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Salmon 47 eel 45 chicken 43( - Cold Holding) **Warning**
Basic: Clam/mussel/oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment. Oyster tags not in chronological order. **
Basic: Clam/mussel/oyster tags not marked with last date served. Oyster tags not marked with date last sold. **Warning**
Basic: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener has debris on it.
Basic: Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Three handwash sinks removed from kitchen. One was reinstalled during time of visit. **Warning**
Basic: Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Worker observed washing glasses in handwash sink. Items observed in handwash sink. Sponge and scrubber at handwash sink.
Basic: No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Establishment has removed 3 hand washing sinks, replaced 1 but still missing 2 sinks. **Warning**
Basic: No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Some staff missing training.

August 14, 2025: Complaint Full

Result: Call Back - Complied. 0 high-priority, 0 intermediate and 4 basic findings.

Basic: Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine top interior soiled.
Basic: Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall behind soda machine in back wait station.
Basic: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled above fryer station. Walk in cooler shelves soiled.
Basic: Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler shelves soiled on cookline.

August 13, 2025: Complaint Full

Result: Administrative complaint recommended. 2 high-priority, 2 intermediate and 9 basic findings.

Basic: Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine top interior soiled.
Basic: Clams/mussels/oysters removed from original container for long-term storage. Oysters removed from original container no tag.
Basic: Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Food stored on floor. Pans of frozen food stored on walk in freezer floor.
Basic: Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall behind soda machine in back wait station.
Basic: In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on front of fryer handle. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled above fryer station. Walk in cooler shelves soiled.
Basic: Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler shelves soiled on cookline.
Basic: Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of white substance not labeled. Operator labeled sugar. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Live, small flying insects found Observed 3 live flying insects in dishwasher area and 14 in dry storage area. **
Basic: Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw shell eggs over raw shrimp in walk in cooler. Operator reorganized. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at hand wash sink on cook line. Operator replaced. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle with brown liquid underneath counter not labeled. Operator labeled sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site**

July 2, 2025: Complaint Full

Result: Call Back - Complied. 0 high-priority, 0 intermediate and 0 basic findings.

July 1, 2025: Complaint Full

Result: Warning Issued. 4 high-priority, 1 intermediate and 16 basic findings.

Basic: Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Cups/cans used as scoops in flour, corn starch. Person in charge removed. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Tilapia is vacuumed sealed bags placed in reach in cooler. Still frozen but bags say to keep frozen. Reviewed policy for fish in vacuumed sealed bags. Person in charge cut bags open. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. On post out front of hot holding station, tile is missing.
Basic: Food stored on floor. On cook line; case of mushrooms and bottle of vinegar on floor. Person in charge picked both up. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Food-contact surface not smooth and easily cleanable. Establishment is using cut 1/2 gallon soy sauce containers to scoop rice, noodles with. Person in charge discarded cut containers. Plastic coasting on 2 sushi reach in coolers at front line. **Corrective Action Taken**
Basic: Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Front chest freezer in hot holding has ice accumulation.
Basic: In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. A pair of tongs hanging from cart.
Basic: In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Spoon for rice is cup of standing water. Person in charge removed. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Nonfood-contact surfaces not designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and maintenance. Saw and drill in storage room near flour. Person in charge removed. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in freezer on cook line has debris inside on bottom shelf.
Basic: Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Establishment is reusing fish containers with labels still on them for crab dip.
Basic: Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. In both reach in cooler on cook line.
Basic: Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Black mold like substance on wall be for you enter front line.
Basic: Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Person in charge hung up to dry. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed. Lots of wood used as shelves. Under flour, under soy sauce, in dry storage.
Basic: Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Flour, corn starch not labeled.
Basic: Live, small flying insects found Observed 15 dead flies under dry storage in back. Observed 16 live flies on counter next to wash and in front of walk in cooler #2. **
Basic: Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Licensed expired 6.1.25.
Basic: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On cookline; Noodles, rice 50F; ( - Cold Holding). Per person in charge only out 30 minutes. Placed back into walk in cooler #1. **Corrective Action Taken**
Basic: Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. Missing at front on hot bar, sushi, salad and cold bar. Temperatures ok but everything was just placed on time control. **Corrected On-Site**
Basic: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Several unlabeled spray bottles.

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