Investigator Attacked at South Florida Restaurant Amid Health Code Violations

Restaurant Attack During Inspection

• 💥 An employee at China Buffet physically attacked Local 10 investigator Jeff Weinsier and his photographer while they were asking questions about a recent inspection.
• 📹 The employee initially shoved the camera, then grabbed the microphone, and later returned with a pan before being pulled back into the kitchen.
• ⚠️ The incident occurred as the investigators were trying to hold the restaurant accountable for its history of health code violations.

Troubling History of Violations

• 🚫 China Buffet, located in northwest Miami Dade, has a disturbing history of health violations, including roaches, rodents, and flying insects.
• 📉 The restaurant was ordered shut down again after a recent inspection found 21 violations, including live roaches and unsafe food temperatures.
• 📈 This marks the seventh time since 2014 that China Buffet has been ordered shut for pest and sanitation issues.

Repeated Non-Compliance and Reopening

• 📊 Since April 2017, China Buffet has been inspected 46 times and accumulated 546 violations, double the average.
• 💰 Despite thousands in fines, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation allows businesses to reopen after cleanup and reinspection, even repeat offenders.
• 🗣️ The restaurant was allowed to reopen again following the latest ordered cleanup and reinspection, despite the aggressive encounter with investigators.

Public Accountability and Reporting

• 🔍 The report highlights the restaurant's aggression instead of providing answers to the public.
• 💻 A QR code is available to access a list of restaurants ordered shut on the Local 10 website.