On doors and windows and countertops at food establishments all over the city are the familiar green “pass” signs assuring us that the grub is good, at least according to Toronto Public Health. But seldom does one spy a yellow or red sign. Is the system working? Unfortunately for seven of the 6,841 establishments inspected so far this year, the answer is yes. Each has been closed at some point this year after sufficiently severe infractions were uncovered.

– AMATO RISTORANTE, 534 Queen St. W. Restaurant. Currently green, inspected March 4. Closed March 2 because the operator failed to prevent a rodent infestation. Inspection findings included: failure to use proper procedures to ensure food safety; failure to properly maintain rooms; failure to properly wash surfaces in rooms; failure to properly wash equipment; failure to provide washroom supplies; failure to properly store solid waste; failure to provide adequate pest control; failure to maintain rooms free of animals; failure to, upon request by any person, produce the food safety inspection report or reports relating to the currently posted food inspection notice for such establishment.

– ASIAN FARM, 247 Spadina Ave. Supermarket. Currently green, inspected Feb. 24. Closed Feb. 22 because the operator failed to prevent gross unsanitary conditions; summons and health hazard order issued. Inspection findings included: failure to ensure food not contaminated or adulterated; failure to use proper procedures to ensure food safety; failure to provide separate hand- washing sinks; failure to provide hand-washing supplies; employee failed to wash hands when required; food handler failed to wear headgear; failure to properly maintain equipment; failure to properly wash multi-use utensils; failure to properly maintain rooms; failure to properly maintain non-food equipment; failure to properly store solid waste; failure to provide proper garbage containers; failure to provide adequate pest control; failure to maintain room free of animals.

– KOREAN GRILL HOUSE RESTAURANT, 214 Queen St. W. Restaurant. Currently green, inspected Feb. 22. Closed Feb. 21 because the operator failed to prevent gross unsanitary conditions; summons and health hazard order issued. Inspection findings included: failure to ensure food not contaminated or adulterated; failure to provide hand-washing supplies; food handler failed to wear clean outer garments; failure to properly wash large utensils; failure to properly maintain rooms; failure to properly wash surfaces in rooms; failure to properly wash equipment; failure to provide washroom supplies; failure to properly store solid waste; failure to provide adequate pest control.

– LEIRIA BAKERY, 1617 Dupont St. Bakery. Currently green, inspected Jan. 4. Closed Jan. 3 because the operator failed to prevent a rodent infestation; summons and health hazard order issued.

– MANCHU WOK, 25 The West Mall. Food court vendor. Currently green, inspected March 21. Closed March 19 because the operator failed to prevent an insect infestation; summons and health hazard order issued. Inspection findings included: failure to properly wash surfaces and equipment; failure to provide adequate pest control; failure to provide thermometer in storage compartment (corrected during inspection).

– MAX MEAT, 36 Eddystone Ave., Unit 36. Meat processing plant. Currently red, inspected April 5. Closed because the operator failed to maintain the wholesomeness of food; summons and health hazard order issued. Inspection findings included: failure to maintain hazardous foods at 4C or colder; failure to maintain hazardous foods at 60C or hotter; failure to ensure food not contaminated or adulterated, summons and health hazard order issued; failure to provide adequate lighting.

– THE FRIENDLY THAI, 500 Queen St. W. Restaurant. Currently green, inspected Feb. 5. Closed Feb. 1 because the operator failed to prevent gross unsanitary conditions; summons and health hazard order issued. Inspection findings included: failure to ensure food not contaminated or adulterated; failure to use proper utensils to ensure food safety; failure to use proper procedures to ensure food safety; failure to provide separate hand-washing sinks; failure to wash hands when required; failure to use proper cloths; failure to provide accurate indicating thermometers; failure to properly maintain rooms; failure to provide adequate pest control.

Source: Toronto Public Health, app.toronto.ca/food2/index.jsp.

National Post
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Page: TO6
Section: Toronto: The City
Byline: Compiled by Philip Alves
Column: The Public Record