The Big Bend Country Buffet Restaurant
5437 SW Hwy 358, Steinhatchee, FL 32359 · Permanent Food Service · License 2500174
What drove the grade
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Nov 6 routine inspection1 high priority (no follow-up needed), 4 intermediate (2 fixed on the spot), 5 basic (1 repeat)-19
- Safety score81
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
1 inspection · 1 visitRoutine inspection
- First visitNov 6, 2026 No follow-up needed
Met the state's inspection standards; the inspector didn't need to come back. Any violations cited still count toward the grade.
10 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority1
Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce.
Raw shelled eggs stored over carrots in walk-in-cooler
Intermediate4
Code 16, Dishwashing facilities and test kits: No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No chemical test strips for chlorine.
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.
Food-contact surface of commercial can opener soiled with food debris, mold-like substance. Manager had can opener cleaned
Fixed on the spot
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times.
Handwash sink blocked by trash can. Manager moved trash cans.
Fixed on the spot
Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
Observed spray bottle not properly labeled with identifying contents ( windex ).
Basic5
Code 24, Clean equipment storage and air drying: Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Clean stacked ( cups )not properly air-dried, and stored wet on clean ware rack resulting in wet nesting.
Code 32, Restrooms: Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Restrooms do not have self closing mechanisms.
Code 33, Garbage and refuse: Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Dumpster behind establishment missing drain plug.
Repeat violation
Code 42, Premises and cleaning equipment: Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet mop not in use stored on floor. Mop placed to air dry
Fixed on the spot
Code 51, Other sanitary and safe operation: Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured.
Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured in kitchen.
Reading this report
Priority levels
- High priority The problems most likely to make someone sick directly.
- Intermediate Could lead to a high-priority problem if not fixed.
- Basic Best practices and general upkeep.
Terms in the inspectors’ reports
- Food-contact surface
- Anything food touches, such as cutting boards, utensils, counters and the inside of ice machines.
- Wet nesting
- Stacking dishes or containers before they have dried, which traps moisture where germs can grow.