China Garden West Downtown
531 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040 · Permanent Food Service · License 5401670
What drove the grade
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Jul 21 routine inspection2 high priority (fixed on the spot), 1 intermediate, 7 basic (1 repeat)-17
- Safety score83
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 visitJul 21, 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 priority2
Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.
Observed raw chicken behind corn in lowboy across cook line. Operator rearranged during inspection.
Fixed on the spot
Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored.
Observed butane above reach in cooler across cook line and above clean plates. Operator removed during inspection and placed in proper area.
Fixed on the spot
Intermediate1
Code 22, Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized: Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment.
Observed on dry food and dish racks.
Basic7
Code 12, Handwashing and hygienic practices: Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Observed cup of soda on table prep across cook line. Operator removed during inspection.
Fixed on the spot
Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed.
Observed wood lunging for food and dish racks not sealed.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover.
Observed across cook line.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves.
Observed under stove where pots and pans are held.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Observed in both reach in freezers.
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Observed in kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Observed throughout establishment.
Repeat violation
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
- Ready-to-eat food
- Food eaten without further cooking, such as salads, sandwiches, deli meats and cooked dishes.
- Food-contact surface
- Anything food touches, such as cutting boards, utensils, counters and the inside of ice machines.
- Nonfood-contact surface
- Surfaces food doesn’t touch, such as the outsides of equipment, handles and door gaskets.