Happy China

4403 17Th Ave #6, Columbus, GA 31904
Chinese
License: Food Service
Last inspected: Dec 9, 2025
67
Score
Medium Risk

Public records show four inspections at Happy China stretching back to 2024. On Dec 9, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around four violations each, up from closer to two violations before.

The pattern that stands out is “food separated and protected”, which has been cited four times.

Compared to other Columbus restaurants (averaging 94), there's room to close the gap. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

4
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 9, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
6-2 - proper date marking and disposition (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked noodles and shrimp in reach in cooler without date marking. Rule: 1. A food that requires datemarking shall be discarded if it: (ii) Is in a container or package that does not bear a date or day; Corrective Action: PIC discarded shrimp and noodles.
511-6-1.04(6)(h)
4-1A - food separated and protected (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed raw shrimp stored above cooked breaded chicken in reach in cooler. Observed raw chicken wings stored above raw broccoli and celery in reach in cooler in main kitchen. Rule 1. Food shall be protected from cross contamination by: (II) Arranging each type of food in equipment so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented, P Corrective Action: PIC arranged food appropriately.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed accumulation of residue on bottom surface inside reach-in cooler next to hand sink in main kitchen. Rule: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Core violation must correct in 72 hours.
511-6-1.05(7)(d)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: Observed water leaking from pipe under hand sink in main kitchen. Rule: All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Core violation must correct in 72 hours.
511-6-1.07(5)(a)
67
Jun 27, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.
View 1 violation
4-2A - food stored covered (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed uncovered container of baby corn in reach in cooler in main kitchen. Rule: (iv) Except as specified under paragraph 2. of this subsection and when cooling as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(e)2.(ii), storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination. Corrective Action: PIC covered corn.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
95
Oct 29, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
4-1A - food separated and protected (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed raw beef stored above a container of sesame sauce in reach-in cooler in main kitchen. Rule: 1. Food shall be protected from cross contamination by: (i) Except as specified in paragraph (i)(III) of this subsection, separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (I) Raw ready-to-eat food including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish, or other raw ready-to-eat food such as fruits and vegetables, P and (II) Cooked ready-to-eat food; and P (III) Frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal food may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready-to-eat food. (ii) Except when combined as ingredients, separating types of raw animal foods from each other such as beef,...
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
4-2A - food stored covered (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed container of sweet and sour sauce uncovered on shelf in main kitchen. Rule: (iv) Except as specified under paragraph 2. of this subsection and when cooling as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04(6)(e)2.(ii), storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings, except for loosely covered or uncovered containers in which food is being cooled if protected from overhead contamination; Corrective Action: PIC covered container.
511-6-1.04(4)(c)
82
Mar 7, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 2 violations
6-2 - proper date marking and disposition (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed several containers located in reach-in coolers in main kitchen holding raw and cooked meat lacking date marking. Ready-to-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking 1. Except when packaging food using a reduced oxygen packaging method, and except as specified in paragraphs 4 and 5 of this subsection, refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared and held in a food establishment for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed on the premises, sold, or discarded, when held at a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below for a maximum of 7 days. The day of preparation shall be counted as Day 1. Pf 2. Except as specified in paragraphs 4 through 6 of this subsection, refrigerated,...
511-6-1.04(6)(g)
14C - single-use/single-service articles: properly stored, used (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed single-use bowl in the flour bin and rice bin. Single-service and single-use articles may not be reused. Person in charge discarded the single-use bowls.
511-6-1.05(6)(r)
86

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Happy China last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Happy China on file is from Dec 9, 2025. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Happy China?

Across the inspection record, “food separated and protected” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Happy China.

How does Happy China compare to other restaurants in Columbus?

Happy China most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Columbus average of 94.

Has Happy China's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Happy China have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Happy China means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Happy China inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Happy China is inspected around two times per year on average.