Insects, rodent feces, food infections, inadequate storage temperatures found in Montreal restaurants and grocery stores
Insects, rodent feces, food infections, inadequate storage temperatures: about 3% of restaurants and grocery stores in Montreal were prosecuted last year for serious shortcomings, reported La Presse, based on reports acquired through the Access to Information Act.
In 2018 there was, 720 reports of food poisoning or allergies, and 277 temporary closure orders of 5 days or less were issued. When warnings and fines are not enough the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food forces the business to close for 30 days, to correct the situation. Of the eight businesses sanctioned last year, three have closed, four restaurants and a grocery store are still in operation.
Romados, the popular restaurant of Plateau Mont-Royal was forced to close last summer after several notices and visits by inspectors of the City of Montreal regarding storage
Owner Manny Machado declared to the Montreal Gazette, in the wake of the suspension that he felt “betrayed” and unjustly targeted by the authorities.
New Casa de la Pizza restaurant in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, MAPAQ inspector noticed improper storage temperatures, the presence of flies and their excrement.
Wok Café in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, improper food storage temperature.
Wok Café owner Susan Chan in an interview with La Presse, said she had taken advantage of the closure to renovate and train staff in proper food handling procedure.
M.J. Gold Market in Ahuntsic, six infraction reports have been drafted by the City of Montreal inspectors since March 2017. Uncleanliness of premises, equipment and facilities, poor food preservation temperature and a craked, non-washable-absorbent floor.
Coopérative de solidarité
For more details and information read the full La Presse feature: Restaurants et épiceries: les cancres de la salubrité