Edo Japan at 3055 Massey Drive received a high hazard rating for two critical and three non-critical violations during a Northern Health inspection that took place Friday, March 8.
The first critical violation included cold potentially hazardous food stored/displayed above 4 degrees Celsius.
Observation: Potentially hazardous cold foods are stored at above 4°C. The walk-in freezer was observed to be stuffed up preventing the air circulation and thus not maintaining temperatures under 4°C(Public Health significance) - All potentially hazardous foods must be stored at below 4°C or above 60°C - out of the danger zone to prevent bacterial growth and possibly food borne illness.
The second critical violation included adequate handwashing stations not available for employees.
Observation: Corrected during inspection. Handwashing sink also used for purposes other than washing hands. A cutting board was seen covering the hand washing sink entirely at the time of inspection. (Public Health Significance) Hand washing is an important practice to ensure foods are protected from cross contamination from other previously handled foods or contact surfaces.
The three non-critical violations include food not thawed in an acceptable manner.
Observation: Improper thawing procedure, frozen shrimp thawed sitting at room temperature on one of the chest freezers in the back storage area. (Public Health Significance) Thawing at room temperature is uncontrolled and over the required time, portions of the product can be in the danger zone for extended periods of time.
Premises not free of pests.
Observation: Evidence of mice droppings were noted in the facility. Observed mice droppings on the shelves and floor in the storage area where cups and chopsticks are stored, under the grill station, behind the chest freezers and behind and on top of the ice machine. (Public Health Significance) Rodents and other pests may cross contaminate foods and surfaces or contaminate human food with feces and urine, carry parasites and other diseases.
Conditions observed that may allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests.
Observation: Back door has a gap on the bottom right side that can allows mice and pests to enter. Mice can fit through gaps as small as a pencil tip. Public Health Significance - Mice feces can carry disease and contaminate food that can lead to foodborne illness.
It was noted that a follow-up inspection is required.
This is the first high hazard rating Edo Japan at the mall has received.
