Lings Buffet
4320 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813 · Permanent Food Service · License 6303478
What drove the grade
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.
How the score was calculated
- Starting score100
- Violations at the Sep 9 complaint inspection1 intermediate, 3 basic (1 repeat)-7
- Safety score93
Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error
Inspection history
2 inspections · 2 visitsLatest inspection
Complaint inspection
- First visitSep 9, 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.
4 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
Intermediate1
Code 31, Handwash sinks and supplies: Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing.
Pot stored in a hand washing sink in the prep area. The pot was removed to the dishwasher area to be washed, rinsed and sanitized.
Basic3
Code 10, In-use utensils properly stored: In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.
Knives between reach in cooler and prep table across from the cook line. The utensils was washed, rinsed and sanitized.
Fixed on the spot
Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
Gaskets on the flip top reach in cooler door is soiled.
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first.
Walk in cooler.
Repeat violation
Earlier inspections 1
B89Routine inspection6 violations, 1 high priority No follow-up needed
- First visitAug 24, 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.
6 violations found:
Official report, on the Florida DBPR websiteWhat the inspector cited
High priority1
Code 01, Approved source; food safe and unadulterated: Dented/rusted cans present.
See stop sale. Can of premium Hunt's Tomato ketchup on the dry storage shelf .
Intermediate1
Code 01, Approved source; food safe and unadulterated: Establishment not maintaining clam/mussel/oyster tags for 90 days.
Basic4
Code 06, Food properly thawed: Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner.
Packages of imitation crab thawing in water in a bucket inside the produce walk in cooler. The product was removed from out of the water.
Fixed on the spot
Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Food stored on floor.
Bulk containers on imitation crab stored on the floor inside the produce walk in cooler. The product was removed from off the floor.
Fixed on the spotRepeat violation
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation.
Broccoli florets not washed before cooking.
Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Cardboard used on floor as anti-slip measure not replaced every day or when heavily soiled, whichever comes first.
Walk in freezer.
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
- Time/temperature control for safety food
- Food that has to be kept hot, at 135°F or above, or cold, at 41°F or below, to stay safe: meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, cooked rice and beans, cut melons and the like.
- Nonfood-contact surface
- Surfaces food doesn’t touch, such as the outsides of equipment, handles and door gaskets.
- Stop sale
- An order that the food can’t be sold or served.