A popular local restaurant got a clean inspection and a low hazard rating in a follow-up inspection conducted on July 10.
Dana Mandi was given a low hazard rating and the inspector found no health violations during the follow-up inspection on Monday. Northern Health restaurant inspectors had previously issued a high hazard rating to Dana Mandi, following a complaint-driven inspection on July 7.
The inspector found food stored at unsafe temperatures and unsanitary conditions in the restaurant, according to a report published on Northern Health’s website.
“Potentially hazardous cold foods (curries, samosas, vegetable pakoras) stored at 10.2°C (internal temperature measured with a probe thermometer) in the walk-in cooler. All food items were in the cooler for more than 4 hours,” the report says. “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 restaurant operator discarded the unsafe food, and was ordered to not use the walk-in cooler to store hazardous items until it can maintain a temperature below 4°C.
A pot of lentil curry was found being stored on the floor by the walk-in cooler, “posing a risk of contamination due to near contact with floor surfaces and potential exposure to pests,” the report added.
The inspector also found a number of sanitation issues in the restaurant.
“Observation: Large build-up of food debris, grease, and grime in various areas of the restaurant. This can affect sanitation and affect pests,” the report says. “Floor tiles were broken throughout the food premises which poses tripping hazard for the employees as well as risk of potential contamination of the food because of the inability to effectively clean and sanitize the floors. Many items not used in the restaurant operations stored in the back storage area. This is a potential nesting area for pests as the clutter makes it difficult to clean and sanitize.”
The back doors of the restaurant were left open during the inspection, potentially allowing pests to enter the building, the inspector noted.
The inspector ordered the restaurant to “Regularly clean and sanitize all food contact surfaces, underneath and behind the equipment, and tools and equipment to prevent build up of dirt and debris,” remove unnecessary items from the storage area, replace the flooring and keep the back doors closed or install a screen door to prevent pests from entering the building.
The restaurant had received moderate risk ratings in inspections on Oct. 5, 2022 and March 27, 2023, both of which noted concerns about food being stored at unsafe temperatures and unsanitary conditions. In both of those cases, follow-inspections conducted a week later (Oct. 12, 2022 and April 3, 2023) resulted in a low risk rating.
In inspections conducted in July, Quizno’s Classic Sub, located at 8087 Hart Highway, and Earl’s Restaurant in Prince George also received moderate risk ratings.
