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Restaurant · Wake County, NC

Panda Express #2962

4215 Wake Forest Rd

Last inspected Apr 30, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 97.5

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

7 inspections

1 - Inspection

Apr 30, 2026

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode 2-501.11 Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Event (Pf)Other

Official wording

Procedures for responding to vomiting & diarrheal events

Inspector’s notes

2-501.11 Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Event (Pf); Through the duration of the inspection; PIC was unable to locate vomiting and diarrhea clean up plan. A vomiting and diarrhea clean up plan is required per 2017 food code. CDI- Vomiting and diarrhea clean up plan was provided during the inspection.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P); One bag of cabbage was being stored too highly above the fill lines of a prep top cooler and was at 45F. Potentially hazardous food being held cold shall remain at 41F or below. CDI- Food was placed in closed refrigeration to be cooled before a 4 hour period elapsed.

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
notedCode 6-501.111Pests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111; Core; Minor amount of fly activity found on the prep line. The PREMISES shall be maintained free of insects; rodents; and other pests.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Core; sanitizer in the bucket up front was 0ppm. Cloths in use for wiping counters and other equipment shall be held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at a concentration between 200-400ppm. Change sanitizer more frequently.

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
notedCode 4-903.11(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A); (B) and (D); Core; Cleaned containers were stored as clean but stacked together while still wet. Cleaned equipment and utensils shall be stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying. Air dry all dishes before stacking them together.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Apr 30, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Sep 16, 2025

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P); While clear improvements have been made since last inspection (walk in cooler has been repaired); Cut greens and chicken in a prep top were holding above 41F. Potentially hazardous food being held cold shall remain at 41F. CDI- Food was relocated to cool and PIC has called for a work order on the cooler.

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
notedCode 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Core; Wet/moist wiping cloth was being held on a prep table during the inspection. Between uses; wet or moist wiping cloths shall be held in an approved sanitizer at an appropriate concentration.

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
notedCode 4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C); There is a leak in the low boy freezer that is creating water and ice buildup in the interior where food is stored. Equipment shall be maintained in a state of good repair.

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
notedCode 4-601.11(B) and (C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Sticker residue was remaining on the non food contact surfaces of clean container. Non food contact surfaces shall be kept free of soil residue and other debris. Remove sticker residue during the cleaning process.

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 Wake County Environmental Services, Sep 16, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

May 15, 2025

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

notedCode 5-202.12Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-202.12; Core; Handwashing sink in the men's room was reaching a maximum temperature of 94F. A handwashing sink shall be equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 100oF through a mixing valve or combination faucet.

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 3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P); Cut cabbage was found at 50F in prep top cooler. PIC states the cooler is frequently opened and closed through service. Potentially hazardous food being held cold shall remain at 41F or below. Walk-in cooler was holding potentially hazardous food at 45F; and noodles in the front of the cooler were at 47F. Potentially hazardous food being held cold shall remain at 41F or below. CDI- Noodles were voluntarily discarded and cut cabbage was taken to new refrigeration to be cooled before a 4 hour period elapsed. PIC contacted company to have walk-in cooler adjusted. VR- EHS returning on 5/16 to ensure the walk-in cooler is holding food at 41F or below.

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
notedCode 3-501.15Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15; Priority foundation; Chicken was found cooling in a closed container with another container stacked on top. Potentially hazardous food shall be cooled in containers with loose or no covering to facilitate cool air flow. CDI- Lids were partially removed and partially unstacked for cooling.

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
notedCode 4-903.11(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A); (B) and (D); Core; Cleaned containers were stored as clean but stacked together while still wet. Cleaned equipment and utensils shall be stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying. Air dry all dishes before stacking them together.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 4-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.12; Core; Green cuttis boars have deep cuts/gashes and are not smooth in some areas. Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and SANITIZED; or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced.

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
notedCode 6-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.11; Core; Tiles are broken on the floor of the cook line. Physical facilities shall be maintained in a state of good repair. Repair as needed.

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 Wake County Environmental Services, May 15, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Feb 26, 2025

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

notedCode 4-501.114Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-501.114; Priority; The sanitizer basin at the 3-compartment sink filled with clean dishes tested at 150ppm and not 200ppm as specified by the chemical manufacturer. Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. CDI- Sanitizer remade.

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
notedCode 3-501.16(A)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(1) ; Priority; Teriyaki chicken was holding between 121-140F on the drive thru hot holding line. Potentially hazardous foods being held hot shall remain at 135F or above. CDI- Food could have been reheated but; PIC opted to voluntarily discard.

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
notedCode 3-501.16(A)(2)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(2); Priority; Garlic in oil sitting out in the cooking area was 68F. The PIC stated that Panda Express has an exemption to hold garlic in oil at room temperature. That document could not be provided today during the inspection. Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. CDI- education given and the options were to either keep the food item refrigerated or place the food item on Time as a Public Health Control until documentation can be provided.

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
notedCode 3-305.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11; Several boxes of food delivered yesterday was observed sitting on the floors in the walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer. Store food in a clean; dry location; not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. CDI- food items were removed from the floor.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 4-202.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-202.11; Priority Foundation; A few metal pans observed with small holes and pits in the food contact portion of the pan. Multiuse food contact surfaces shall be smooth; free of open seams; cracks; chips; pits; sharp internal angles; crevices and assembled to allow access to clean. CDI- pans were voluntarily discarded by PIC.

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
notedCode 5-501.110Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector’s notes

5-501.110; Several cardboard boxes and a few open bags of trash observed along the dumpster pad. Keep waste stored in receptacles so waste is inaccessible to insects and rodents. Increase cleaning frequency or consider getting a large dumpster.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Feb 26, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

May 29, 2024

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

criticalCode 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Pans of raw chicken and raw steak observed holding at 47F in the walk-in cooler. The ambient air temperature of the walk-in cooler is holding steady at 45F. Unless actively cooking; cooling; or when time as a public health control is used TCS (Time/temperature control for safety) foods shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI- meat items rapidly cooled by the addition of ice or food placed into the walk-in freezer for awhile. Have someone take a look at the walk-in cooler.

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 6-501.111Pests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111; Core; Small live roach observed crawling around the prep cooler in the cooking area. The PREMISES shall be maintained free of insects; rodents; and other pests.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
minorCode 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Core; sanitizer in the bucket up front was 0ppm. Cloths in use for wiping counters and other equipment shall be held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at a concentration between 200-400ppm. Change sanitizer more frequently.

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
minorCode 4-903.11(A) and (C)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A) and (C); Core; A box of napkins observed on the floor of the storage closet near the bathrooms. single-service and single-use articles shall be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, May 29, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 30, 2024

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

criticalCode 2-201.11Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Management; food & conditional employee; knowledge; responsibilities & reporting

Inspector’s notes

2-201.11; Priority; In the only employee health policy that the PIC (Person In Charge) could locate; nontyphoidal salmonella was missing. Nontyphoidal salmonella is required to be one of the foodborne illnesses employees are made aware of per 2017 food code. CDI- EHS emailed employee health policy to PIC; and PIC states that employee health policy posters have recently been ordered for the store and should be arriving soon.

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
criticalCode 3-501.16(A)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(1) ; Priority; Cream cheese was found holding at 117F on the hot holding line. Potentially hazardous foods being held hot shall remain at 135F or above. CDI- Food was reheated as needed.

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 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Core; Wet/moist wiping cloth was being held on a prep table during the inspection. Between uses; wet or moist wiping cloths shall be held in an approved sanitizer at an appropriate concentration.

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
minorCode 4-903.11(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A); (B) and (D); Core; Repeat; Multiple containers were stored as clean but stacked together while still wet. Cleaned equipment and utensils shall be stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying. Air dry all dishes before stacking them together.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode 5-501.113Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector’s notes

5-501.113; Core; Both outdoor waste receptacles were left open during the inspection. Outdoor waste receptacles shall be fitted with tightly fitting lids and doors. Keep receptacles covered when they are not in use.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
minorCode 6-501.110Facility maintenance

Official wording

Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used

Inspector’s notes

6-501.110; Core; Employee cell phone was found being stored on a prep top unit during the inspection. Employees shall use designated areas or lockers to store personal items such as electronics and clothing.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jan 30, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Oct 26, 2023

Score 98

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

minorCode 5-202.12Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-202.12; Core; Repeat; Handwashing sink in women's restroom was only reaching 83F. A handwashing sink shall be equipped to provide water at a temperature of at least 100oF through a mixing valve or combination faucet.

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
notedCode 4-602.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11; Core; Some soda nozzles in the drink machine had minor buildup. Food contact surfaces of equipment such as ice bins and soda nozzles shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent residue accumulation. Clean soda nozzles more frequently.

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
notedCode 3-501.15Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15; Priority foundation; Chicken was found cooling in a closed container with another container stacked on top. Potentially hazardous food shall be cooled in containers with loose or no covering to facilitate cool air flow. CDI- Lids were partially removed and partially unstacked for cooling.

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 4-903.11(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A); (B) and (D); Core; Repeat; Multiple containers were stored as clean but stacked together while still wet. Cleaned equipment and utensils shall be stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying. Air dry all dishes before stacking them together.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode 4-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11; Core; Prep bottom cooler gaskets are ripping/tearing. Equipment shall be maintained in a state of good repair. Replace gaskets as needed. PIC states work order is in place for gaskets.

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 Wake County Environmental Services, Oct 26, 2023 · Original Source

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