CHINA FIRST
2607 E GULF TO LAKE HWY, Inverness FL 34453 · 347.281.3839
Last inspected May 11, 2026 · 15 visits since August 2023
NOV 23
OCT 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between C and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in kitchen. 2 live flies in back of kitchen
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024066792 | Oct 31, 2024 | Dec 26, 2024 | $400 |
Inspection history
15 visits, newest first
May 11, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. Certificate missing information.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. For three male employees
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. In use containers cracked.
No copy of latest inspection report available. No documents available at inspection time.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand wash sign in bathroom
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach-in cooler gaskets soiled with food residue, also exterior of coolers. Hood and hood filters heavily soiled with grease build up.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach-in cooler shelves soiled with food residue.
May 7, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 20 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority5 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Male employee arrives to restaurant and started handling food and cleaned containers without washing his hands.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Frozen cooked food stored in thank you bags.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment open and operating with expired license
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In walk-in cooler, raw beef above cut cabbage, also raw chicken above vegetables.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At the cook line, at room temperature, cut cabbage 80F, broccoli 81F, garlic and oil 57F chicken 50F, per employee items are in and out of cooler during busy hours 11:45-12:15. Inspector provided time as a public health control form. Employee stated food will be gone by 3:30.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwash sink in front of walk-in cooler blocked by food containers on top of sink, employee moved.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. No working thermometer
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. For two onsite male employees.
Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Multiple bags with pork and chicken no date marked.
Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. Certificate missing information.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl no handle inside rice and flour containers.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. For three male employees
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. In use containers cracked.
Food stored on floor. Oil jug on floor at the cook line, Employee moved off the floor.
No copy of latest inspection report available. No documents available at inspection time.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand wash sign in bathroom
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach-in cooler gaskets soiled with food residue, also exterior of coolers. Hood and hood filters heavily soiled with grease build up.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. In use and stored containers with multiple old stickers.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach-in cooler shelves soiled with food residue.
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Rae chicken Cardboard boxes used to store cooked chicken, also wontons wrapping paper used as a food liner.
Aug 18, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler ambient temperature 52F
Hole in or other damage to wall. Bottom of wall in restroom in disrepair
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In restroom
Aug 7, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler at cook line. Ambient 52F. Operator states items were placed in reach in cooler from walk in cooler at 11am. Operator moved items to walk in cooler to cool. raw beef (48F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (46F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (49F - Cold Holding); cooked shrimp (48F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (47F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (49F - Cold Holding); pot stickers (47F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (48F - Cold Holding); wontons (48F - Cold Holding); rice noodles (47F - Cold Holding)
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler ambient temperature 52F
Hole in or other damage to wall. Bottom of wall in restroom in disrepair
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In restroom
Jul 24, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken and beef stored over produce in walk in cooler
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In reach in cooler at cook line. Ambient 52F. Operator states items were placed in reach in cooler from walk in cooler at 11am. Operator moved items to walk in cooler to cool. raw beef (48F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (46F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (49F - Cold Holding); cooked shrimp (48F - Cold Holding); raw shrimp (47F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (49F - Cold Holding); pot stickers (47F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (48F - Cold Holding); wontons (48F - Cold Holding); rice noodles (47F - Cold Holding)
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Pan of noodles stored on hand wash sink in walk in cooler area. Operator removed.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage cup on reach in cooler in cook line area. Operator removed.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler ambient temperature 52F
Food stored on floor. Buckets of raw meat stored on floor in walk in cooler
Hole in or other damage to wall. Bottom of wall in restroom in disrepair
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In restroom
Feb 10, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards soiled on cook line. Walk in cooler shelves soiled.
Jan 6, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Walk in cooler: Raw chicken in walk in stored on top of soy sauce containers with soy sauce inside. Raw pork stored over uncooked, uncut broccoli Raw shrimp stored over peeled uncut onions Discussed proper storage with manager. Attempts were made to correct the storage, however due to the small space the proper adjustments could not be made.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee prepping food in kitchen touched cell phone to move it off of cutting board then resumed prepping. Explained to employee he needed to wash his hands before he began prepping again. He then washed his hands with his gloves on, it was then explained to employee he needed to take his gloves off wash his hands and then put on new gloves. Employee followed instructions.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Walk in coolers still soiled, addressed in call back also completed today.
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/. Men's bathroom is being used as a storage closet for construction materials and kitchen equipment. This was documented on the callback report and will be addressed in 30 days.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee open monster energy drink stored on shelf in walk in cooler over customer food.employee moved drink.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone on cutting board in kitchen while he was actively prepping food. Employee moved.
Food stored on floor. Several plastic containers of Kikkoman soy sauce, stored on floor and walk-in cooler
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Stove has build up of grease and debris on side and Legs.
Open dumpster lid. Manager closed
Jan 6, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Certified Food Manager or person in charge does not require employees to report illnesses and symptoms as required. Owner could not provide proof of employee reporting of illnesses.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards soiled on cook line. Walk in cooler shelves soiled.
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 http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Men's bathroom on plans being used for food storage, to include a freezer chest. Upon review of plans, plans do not reflect men's bathroom being changed to a food storage area. Operator will need to submit a new plan.
Nov 1, 2024Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
2 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Certified Food Manager or person in charge does not require employees to report illnesses and symptoms as required. Owner could not provide proof of employee reporting of illnesses.
Single-use take-home food container refilled with food. Lo mein plastic bags being used to store fried shrimp.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards soiled on cook line. Walk in cooler shelves soiled.
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 http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Men's bathroom on plans being used for food storage, to include a freezer chest. Upon review of plans, plans do not reflect men's bathroom being changed to a food storage area. Operator will need to submit a new plan.
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Several containers of Kikkoman soy sauce being reused for food storage.
Oct 31, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 21 violations recorded, 7 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
7 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Certified Food Manager or person in charge does not require employees to report illnesses and symptoms as required. Owner could not provide proof of employee reporting of illnesses.
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Dole pineapple juice 1 qt Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster Sauce 3.5 cans Koon chun ground bean sauce.5
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee came in from outside and grabbed unwrapped food from reach in cooler, no hand wash. Discussed with management the importance of hand washing. Manager discussed with employee.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly in kitchen. 2 live flies in back of kitchen
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator has 2024 expired license.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 150 rodent droppings in the bathroom being used for food storage.
Single-use take-home food container refilled with food. Lo mein plastic bags being used to store fried shrimp.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards soiled on cook line. Walk in cooler shelves soiled.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Bottle of honey and telephone stored on hand wash sink. Manager moved.
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 http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Men's bathroom on plans being used for food storage, to include a freezer chest. Upon review of plans, plans do not reflect men's bathroom being changed to a food storage area. Operator will need to submit a new plan.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowls being used as scoops in rice and flour containers laying in product.
Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roaches in trap underneath fridge across from cash register. 1 dead roach in unused bathroom on floor back of store 1 dead roach in unused bathroom on wall
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee walking around eating food in kitchen. Employee moved to dining room.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee food in walk in cooler not separated from customer food.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee drinks above reach in cooler.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. 2 employees working without hair restraints when inspector wakes in. Employees placed hats on head during inspection
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors and walls soiled. Throughout the prep kitchen line.
Food stored on floor. Container of rice and container of frying oil stored on floor in kitchen by freezer. Container of sauce and container of water and lemons stored on floor by hand wash sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Handwashing sink handles, and soap dispenser very soiled.
Reuse of single-service or single-use articles. Several containers of Kikkoman soy sauce being reused for food storage.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Bags of chicken wings being left out on counter by triple sink thawing. Large tub of pork in standing water thawing. Discussed with manager. She moved product to properly thaw.
Nov 30, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Equipment in poor repair. Interior pot of rice warmers
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In kitchen area
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of food storage bins soiled
Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Vertical white reach in freezer next to walk in cooler
Nov 2, 2023Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored over cooked pork in reach in freezer
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand wash sink next to chest freezer in kitchen blocked with oil container and bucket. Operator removed.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand wash sink next to chest freezer in kitchen
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bulk rice container
Equipment in poor repair. Interior pot of rice warmers
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In kitchen area
Food stored on floor. Buckets of sauce in cook line area
Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle. Operator states the old grease receptacle is in disrepair, operator has replaced with new receptacle
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Bulk rice
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of food storage bins soiled
Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Vertical white reach in freezer next to walk in cooler
Aug 25, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Throughout kitchen area
Nonfood-contact surface soiled. Gaskets on reach in coolers in cook line area
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 14, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Emailed to operator
Bathroom facility not clean.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Throughout kitchen area
Floor soiled under equipment in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled. Gaskets on reach in coolers in cook line area
Reach-in freezer interior have accumulation of soil residues.
Three-compartment sink soiled from overhead leak. The water dripping into the wash side of the 3 compartment sink from the hot water heater pan is soiled due to it being collected in a soiled pan at the bottom of the hot after heater and dripping out from there. Operator placed a container under the leak to catch the water and cleaned out the 3 compartment sink to be able to properly wash, rinse and sanitize.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 2, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 21 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Calamine spray on dry storage shelf
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Operator handled soiled pans from hot water leak then prepped chicken without washing hands. Discussed with operator who washed hands.
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Chicken and beef on a stick stored in cardboard boxes in reach in freezer at front counter
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. cooked chicken (44F - Cold Holding); cooked pork (45F - Cold Holding) operator states the door was slightly open to the reach in cooler. Operator moved items to reach in freezer to rapidly chill. Recheck- chicken 42F, Pork- 42F
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Emailed to operator
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Steele wool in hand wash sink in kitchen area
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple items in walk in cooler including cooked meats
Total lack of water at hand wash sink in prep area. Sink unable to drain.
Bathroom facility not clean.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bulk rice container
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Throughout kitchen area
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Bowl of watermelon in walk in cooler
Equipment located in an area not protected from overhead leakage of pipes, drains and other sources. Clean pans and food storage containers on shelves beneath hot water heater are being leaked on from cracked pan beneath hot water heater. Operator removed all clean equipment from area to be washed again.
Floor soiled under equipment in kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Case of oil by back door. Operator moved to shelf.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled. Gaskets on reach in coolers in cook line area
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Open water bottle in walk in cooler
Reach-in freezer interior have accumulation of soil residues.
Three-compartment sink soiled from overhead leak. The water dripping into the wash side of the 3 compartment sink from the hot water heater pan is soiled due to it being collected in a soiled pan at the bottom of the hot after heater and dripping out from there. Operator placed a container under the leak to catch the water and cleaned out the 3 compartment sink to be able to properly wash, rinse and sanitize.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Cloth on cutting board
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.