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Restaurant · Minneapolis, MN

Chinese Express

121 Lake St E

Last inspected Jan 12, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Complete
Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Follow-Up

Jan 12, 2026

Complete

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.0033APermits, training, and postings

Official wording

The business must employ at least one valid Minnesota Food Protection Manager's certification (CFPM). Find more information on the Minnesota Department of Health web page.

Inspector’s notes

Observed expired Minnesota Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate. Ensure CFPM certificate is up to date and posted.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0408AOther

Official wording

Before using Time as a Public Health Control for TCS food develop, follow and keep written procedures onsite.

Inspector’s notes

Observed facility using "Time as a Public Health Control" (TPHC) for time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) foods without written procedures. Ensure when time is used as a public health control, the written procedures are available and staff is trained on how to use. Emailed copy of TPHC written procedures with report.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Jan 12, 2026 · Original Source

Routine

Dec 29, 2025

Complete

Official score: 82 · Understand this area’s scale

9 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.0033APermits, training, and postings

Official wording

The business must employ at least one valid Minnesota Food Protection Manager's certification (CFPM). Find more information on the Minnesota Department of Health web page.

Inspector’s notes

Observed expired Minnesota Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate. Ensure CFPM certificate is up to date and posted.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0300ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Store all food: • In a clean, dry location • At least 6 inches above the floor

Inspector’s notes

Observed raw shrimp in container on floor near hand washing sink. Ensure food is stored to prevent contamination. At time of inspection food employee moved the shrimp to the prep table.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0840ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils must be clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed can-opener, and dicer with food debris. Ensure food-contact surfaces of equipment are clean to the sight and touch.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0040COther

Official wording

Keep a log to record employee illness symptoms. Have it available upon request.

Inspector’s notes

Observed no illness log to record employee illnesses as it pertains to foodborne illness symptoms and reportable diseases. Ensure an illness log is kept and maintained.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1110ABHandwashing

Official wording

Keep handwashing sinks accessible at all times. Make sure they are only used for handwashing.

Inspector’s notes

Observed hand washing sink was blocked with bucket of raw shrimp. Ensure hand washing sinks are accessible at all times. PIC moved the shrimp.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A2Food temperature

Official wording

Keep all cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or colder under mechanical refrigeration.

Inspector’s notes

Observed containers of fried chicken at 46F on counter to be refried per order. Ensure cold-holding foods are maintained in mechanical refrigeration at 41F and below. Discussed time/temperature requirements for time/temperature controlled for safety foods. Emailed information on using time-as-a-public-health-control with written procedures and food marked for time. PIC discarded the chicken at time of inspection.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0030DEFGHIHandwashing

Official wording

The person in charge must be able to demonstrate their knowledge to the inspector of the importance of the following food handling procedures to preventing foodborne disease: handwashing; avoiding cross contamination; avoiding hand contact with ready-to-eat foods; time and temperature requirements for safely refrigerating, hot holding, cooling, and reheating TCS food; hazards of eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, and fish; food temperatures and cooking times required to safely cook TCS food including meat, poultry, eggs, and fish; foods identified as major food allergens and the symptoms of an allergic reaction; identification of critical control points in a food service operation and steps to be taken to ensure the points are controlled.

Inspector’s notes

Observed violations pertaining to food safety where the person in charge having could not explain the proper procedures for washing, rinsing and sanitizing food contact surfaces, cross contamination in walk-in cooler, cold-holding time/temperature controlled for safety food above 41F, food stored on ground and blocking the hand washing sink. Ensure the person in charge is knowledgeable about the food safety procedures to prevent foodborne illness.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0235A(2)Food temperature

Official wording

Separate types of raw animal foods from other raw animal foods during storage, preparation and display based on cook temperature.

Inspector’s notes

Observed raw duck feet stored above raw pork, raw beef, and raw fish in walk-in cooler. Ensure the proper storage of raw animal products where with the minimum cooking temperature for each is considered (poultry with a minimum cooking temperature of 165F should be stored under fish with a minimum cooking temperature of (145F) to prevent cross-contamination of raw animal foods. PIC moved the items at time of inspection.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0285BCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths used for wiping surfaces must: • Be held in an approved sanitizing solution • Laundered daily

Inspector’s notes

Observed a few wet wiping cloths on prep cooler cutting board. Ensure wet wiping cloths are stored in chemical sanitizer between use to prevent pathogen growth.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Dec 29, 2025 · Original Source

Routine

Dec 12, 2024

Complete

Official score: 92 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

criticalCode MN Rule 4626.1620Other

Official wording

Use only chemical sanitizers on food-contact surfaces that meet Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations requirements: • Part 180, section 180.940 • Part 180, subpart E, section 180.2020

Inspector’s notes

Observed wiping cloth bucket bleach solution above 200PPM. Ensure sanitizing solution is made to the proper concentration as instructed on the label and tested. At time of inspection PIC brought the solution to the proper concentration.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1605Other

Official wording

Remove from the premises all poisonous or toxic materials not required for the maintenance or operation of the establishment, the cleaning or sanitization of equipment or utensils, or the control of insects or rodents.

Inspector’s notes

Observed chemicals for repairs stored with equipment under back table. Ensure chemicals not for food are stored away from food-contact surfaces and separated from the food preparation areas.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0408AOther

Official wording

Before using Time as a Public Health Control for TCS food develop, follow and keep written procedures onsite.

Inspector’s notes

Observed no written procedure for time instead of temperature being used for portions of wings, eggrolls, and fried chicken. Ensure written procedures are available and followed.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0033AOther

Official wording

The business must employ at least one valid Minnesota Food Protection Manager's certification (CFPM). Find more information on the Minnesota Department of Health web page.

Inspector’s notes

Observed expired Minnesota Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate. Ensure CFPM certificate is up to date and posted.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Dec 12, 2024 · Original Source

Follow-Up

Dec 28, 2023

Complete

Official score: 100 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.0275COther

Official wording

Store in-use food preparation and serving utensils only on clean, sanitized surfaces.

Inspector’s notes

TONGS OBSERVED STORED ON UNCLEAN EQUIPMENT. KEEP TONGS STORED ON CLEAN SANITIZED SURFACES. NOT DRAPED OVER HANDLES OF OVENS ALONG THE COOK'S LINE.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0285BOther

Official wording

Wiping cloths used for wiping surfaces must: • Be held in an approved sanitizing solution • Laundered daily

Inspector’s notes

WIPING CLOTHS OBSERVED STORED OUTSIDE OF SANITIZER BUCKETS ALONG COOK'S LINE. KEEP WIPING CLOTHS SUBMERGED IN SANITZER SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0735ABOther

Official wording

All equipment and components must be in good repair. Keep them maintained to manufacturer's specifications.

Inspector’s notes

DUCT TAPE HOLDING HANDLE OF RICE COOKER TOGETHER. REPAIR DAMAGED HANDLE.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1520AOther

Official wording

Clean all physical facilities (floors, walls, ceilings). Keep them clean.

Inspector’s notes

FLOORING THROUGHOUT FACILITY ESPECIALLY ALONG COOK'S LINE IS HEAVILY SOILED. CLEAN FLOORS.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0380ABCOther

Official wording

Thaw TCS food by one of the following methods: • Inside a refrigerator • Kept completely under running water of 70 degrees F or less. The food must remain at 41 degrees F or less. • In a microwave oven • As part of the cooking process

Inspector’s notes

SHRIMP OBSERVED THAWING ON FLOOR IN LARGE CONTAINER. USE ONE OF THE APPROVED THAWING METHODS LISTED ABOVE.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0506BOther

Official wording

Provide an exhaust ventilation hood that meets the requirements in the Minnesota Mechanical Code, Minnesota Rules, chapter 1346.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1530AOther

Official wording

Keep all intake and exhaust air ducts and filters clean.

Inspector’s notes

AIR FILTERS SOILED AT COOKS LINE. CLEAN AIR FILTERS.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Dec 28, 2023 · Original Source

Routine

Dec 14, 2023

Complete

Official score: 86 · Understand this area’s scale

13 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.0275COther

Official wording

Store in-use food preparation and serving utensils only on clean, sanitized surfaces.

Inspector’s notes

Observed several tongs and spatulas being stored hanging on the kitchen hood surface. Discussed food contamination, cleaning, and sanitizing.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0285BOther

Official wording

Wiping cloths used for wiping surfaces must: • Be held in an approved sanitizing solution • Laundered daily

Inspector’s notes

Observed wet wiping cloths throughout the kitchen. Discussed cleaning and sanitizing with the operator.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0235A(4)Other

Official wording

Protect food from cross-contamination by using packages or covered containers.

Inspector’s notes

Observed numerous food items stored uncovered inside the walk-in cooler. Discussed food contamination with the operator.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0735ABOther

Official wording

All equipment and components must be in good repair. Keep them maintained to manufacturer's specifications.

Inspector’s notes

Registered air temperature at 62*F. Adjust or repair the prep cooler to maintain TCS foods at 41*F or below. Observed rice cooker held with duct tape

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0840COther

Official wording

Clean non-food contact surfaces of equipment. Keep them clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed grease, spills, and other deposits on external surfaces of kitchen equipment. Clean the external surfaces of storing and cooking utensils.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1520AOther

Official wording

Clean all physical facilities (floors, walls, ceilings). Keep them clean.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0380ABCOther

Official wording

Thaw TCS food by one of the following methods: • Inside a refrigerator • Kept completely under running water of 70 degrees F or less. The food must remain at 41 degrees F or less. • In a microwave oven • As part of the cooking process

Inspector’s notes

Observed shrimp thawing on standing water. Discussed proper thawing with the operator.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0506BOther

Official wording

Provide an exhaust ventilation hood that meets the requirements in the Minnesota Mechanical Code, Minnesota Rules, chapter 1346.

Inspector’s notes

Observed missing filters inside kitchen hood.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1530AOther

Official wording

Keep all intake and exhaust air ducts and filters clean.

Inspector’s notes

Clean kitchen hood filters.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0225AOther

Official wording

Make sure all ready-to-eat foods and garnishes are not touched with bare hands.

Inspector’s notes

Observed employee grabbing sour sweet chicken with bare hand Observed employee prepping edamame with bare hand. Discussed barehand contact with ready to eat restrictions with operator. Instructed employee to wash hand and wear glove.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A2Other

Official wording

Keep all cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or colder under mechanical refrigeration.

Inspector’s notes

Registered the temperature of chicken at 59*F, beef at 60*F and pork at 62*F on prep cooler, air temperature was registered at 62*F. Discussed cold holding temperatures and pre-operation check with operator. Food items were discarded at the time of the inspection.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0235A(1)Other

Official wording

Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods.

Inspector’s notes

Observed employee prepping raw chicken next to cooked sour sweet chicken. Discussed cross-contamination with operator.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0035DGHIKMOther

Official wording

The person in charge must make sure employees follow proper food safety procedures, including: • Proper handwashing • Preventing cross-contamination from bare hands • Proper cooking of TCS foods • Proper cooling of TCS foods • Proper hot and cold temperatures of TCS foods • Preventing plumbing cross connections • Properly sanitizing equipment and utensils

Inspector’s notes

The number of violation in this inspection showed that there is a clear lack of managerial control. Discussed active managerial control with operator.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Dec 14, 2023 · Original Source

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