GOLDEN BUDDHA RESTAURANT
613 NW 16 AVE, Gainesville FL 32601 · (352)372-4282
Last inspected Apr 27, 2026 · 12 visits since September 2023
OCT 24
MAR 25
JUL 25
DEC 25
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Lizard/gecko next to clean cups in hallway in restaurant.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2022027119 | Apr 18, 2022 | Jun 29, 2022 | $600 |
| 5--2019062531 | Oct 2, 2019 | Jan 31, 2020 | $200 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Apr 27, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 23, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over onion in small black reach in cooler on cooks line, employee moved onion above raw beef.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Black hair in egg drop soup, see stop sale.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee washed hands in Three compartment sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Stained cutting board on sliver reach in cooler on cooks line.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken in walk in cooler made 2 days ago no date.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on table by rice cooker, employee moved drink away from food/food equipment.
Equipment in poor repair. Shelves in walk in cooler rusted on the surface. Chest reach in freezer lid broken. Walk in cooler glass door shut with duct tape.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under fryer/wok station soiled with grease. The wall soiled with food splash behind wok station.
Food stored on floor. Jug of vinegar and oil on floor on cooks line, employee placed on shelf.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above wok soiled with grease.
Stored food not covered. Cut cabbage mix in chest reach in freezer no lid.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Wooden pallets on tree behind dumpsters and in grassy parking lot.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Leaking pipe under Three compartment sink middle compartment.
Dec 9, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs over sauce in walk in cooler, operator moved eggs below.
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. Operator stated items (cut cabbage, general tso chicken, etc) were out of cooler at 11am, operator wrote time on board hanging in kitchen.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Stained cutting board on cooks line reach in cooler.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Under cooking equipment on cooks line.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice scoop in water at 67F.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves rusted on the surface.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Under Three compartment sink sanitizer compartment.
Jul 18, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 14, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Togo smiley bags holding meat directly touching plastic in chest reach in freezer outside storage closet.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. spring roll (48F - Cold Holding); tofu (49F - Cold Holding); chicken (48,49F - Cold Holding); noodles (50,51F - Cold Holding) items in walk in cooler, ambient thermometer reads 40F. Operator stated he had checked temperatures prior to inspection and everything was 41F.
Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Chlorine over 200ppm, operator added water retested at 100ppm.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board in reach in cooler on cook line stained.
Bathroom facility in disrepair. Women's restroom toilet is not in working condition, the men's restroom is being used as a unisex restroom.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee plated meal on prep table by employee cutting cabbage, employee moved food.
Equipment in poor repair. Cutting board on cook line with cut marks. Food racks in walk in cooler with rust that has pitted the surface.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Interior stand up reach in freezer in outside storage closet.
Mar 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. To go bags used to store chicken in dry storage shed reach-in freezer.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Item stored on prep table across from cook line: cabbage (58F - Cold Holding). Manager stated cabbage placed on prep table two hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved cabbage to reach-in freezer to reduce the temperature to 41F.
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. Container of chicken stored on prep table next to cook line. Manager stated chicken placed on prep table one hour prior. Manager placed proper time marking on chicken.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Sanitizer bucket stored in three compartment sink, 200+ ppm. Manager changed sanitizer water, 50 ppm
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Shelves in walk-in cooler. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from cook line stained.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Bottle of degreaser stored on kitchen floor across from cook line.
Bathroom facility in disrepair. Ladies room out of order per manager, men's restroom is used as unisex bathroom.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Acoustic ceiling tiles throughout the kitchen.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table next to cook line. Manager removed drink during inspection.
Equipment in poor repair. Door to dry storage reach-in freezer in disrepair. Shelves in walk-in cooler rusty.
Food stored on floor. Bottles of vinegar stored on floor across from cook line.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Reach-in freezer located in dry storage shed.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Top of cook line stove greasy. Gasket of reach-in freezer in dining room. Shelf across from cook line dusty.
Single-service articles improperly stored. To go containers stored on dining room floor.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed peppers stored over prepped onions in walk-in cooler. Manager moved onions to shelf above peppers.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet wiping cloths stored on kitchen prep table.
Oct 17, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 3, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 29, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Bottle of medicine above sauce, peppers, and eggs in walk in cooler, employee moved medicine.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. chicken (47F - Cold Holding) item made previous day in walk in cooler, operator stated other multiple items were cooked/prepped this morning that are cooling in cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on cooks line stained. Knife handle stained/soiled being used to peel ginger.
Bathroom facility in disrepair. Women's bathroom out of order due to the plumbing not working properly as stated by operator, they are only using the men's restroom as a unisex bathroom for now.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Unsealed acoustic ceiling tiles in kitchen.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Drink on top of steam table next to soups.
Equipment in poor repair. Chest reach in freezer in storage room outside the lid is falling apart. Shelving in walk in cooler is starting to rust.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Behind/under cooking equipment.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Chest reach in freezer in lobby and chest reach in freezer in storage room outside.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Chopsticks and spoon in water at 93F.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Mop sink used to be outside, but was replaced with new grease trap.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Chest reach in freezer in lobby the gasket is soiled. Stand up reach in freezer in outside storage room the gasket is soiled. Door tracks soiled on glass doors of walk in cooler. Hood filters and surrounding area soiled.
Wet wiping cloths stored in detergent and sanitizer mixed together. Wiping cloth solution has bleach, water, and soap.
Jan 26, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 17 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Stand up reach in freezer in outside storage room has chicken inside thank you Togo bags directly.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Lizard/gecko next to clean cups in hallway in restaurant.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. raw shell eggs (62F - Cold Holding) sitting on counter on cooks line.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Employee prepping raw chicken washed hands at Three compartment sink then started cooking.
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.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Containers are soiled inside walk in cooler holding chicken, steak, and noodles. Cutting boards on cooks line reach in cooler and storage shelf bottom of prep table stained.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked noodles made yesterday morning in walk in cooler.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Acoustic ceiling tiles tiles in kitchen not sealed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Drink on top of steam table next to soups.
Equipment in poor repair. White container on top shelf in walk in cooler that has become cracked. Cutting board on cooks line and prep table with deep cut marks. Chest reach in freezer lid broken.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Under cooks line. Floor is also soiled under Three compartment sink and cooks line.
Food stored on floor. Sauces in walk in cooler and sauce on cooks line floor.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Dumpster on ground directly.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Chest reach in freezer in outside storage closet.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Under glass doors of walk in cooler exterior.
Toilet/urinal not flushing/functioning properly. Inside womens restroom operator stated toiler is broken door has an out of order sign posted.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Under Three compartment sink and Handwash sink.
Sep 19, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 15, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler: cabbage (78F - Cold Holding); pork (50F - Cold Holding); shrimp (48F - Cold Holding); chicken (48F - Cold Holding) items placed in cooler 1 hour prior, the cooler has an ice build up on backside, operator unplugged to defrost and moved items to ice. Walk in cooler: chicken wings (46-47F - Cold Holding); chicken (46F - Cold Holding); cabbage (47F - Cold Holding) thermometer in walk in cooler reads 40, operator stated the door is constantly opened during morning prep and glass door unable to keep shut due to disrepair.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on storage shelf and reach in cooler stained.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Acoustic ceiling tiles tiles in kitchen not sealed or painted.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Glass doors to walk in cooler unable to kept sealed/shut allowing cold air to escape from cooler, 1 thermometer farthest from door reads 40F other thermometer closest to glass doors reads 50F.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Water bottle and canned beverage on table next to fortune cookies in kitchen.
Equipment in poor repair. Shelf in back corner on cooks line is falling apart exposing its wooden nature which can absorb moisture. The glass doors of walk in cooler unable to be kept sealed due to doors be in disrepair.
Food stored on floor. Vinegar and sauce in bottles on floor of cooks line.
Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Wooden piece attached to wall of walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Silver reach in cooler gasket soiled. Underneath glass doors of walk in cooler exterior.
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.