ELORA – The L&M Food Market here has been shut down by the public health unit.
The supermarket was closed on Dec. 14 at around 5:30pm after an official health protection and promotion order was laid, said Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) food safety manager Jessica Morris.
“The … inspector went in for … a routine inspection and found numerous items out of compliance and due to the fact that there was quite a number … of non-critical items, we chose to close the premise under a health hazard order,” Morris explained.
When the store will reopen depends on how quickly the operator can ensure all items in the report are in compliance.
“Once [the operator] feels that [they have] completed that listing he or she will call the public health inspector … to see if the operator has now put that premise into compliance,” Morris said. “And then it could be reopened.
“But there’s also the possibility that they haven’t completed all the items … so it would remain closed, but it is up to the area public health inspector, in consultation with myself, on whether to reopen and when that happens.”
L&M owner Dale Kropf said the supermarket is “working with a food safety consultant to correct our issues.
“We will be better trained and more aware of any issues that pertains to food safety. Our staff is committed to serving the Elora community.”
According to the WDGPH inspection results website Check Before You Choose (www.checkbeforeyouchoose.ca) the supermarket had one critical infraction and 10 non-critical infractions.
The critical infraction – one that could cause food borne illness – was that L&M was not keeping food protected from potential contamination and adulteration.
“Most likely there was food uncovered and that is a critical (infraction),” Morris said.
“Usually it’s from food that there’s been some processing or there’s been some preparation; it’s been cooked or altered … and if it’sin storage then it needs to be protected so it’s not contaminated while in storage.
“So it looks like they’ve had issues with that.”
L&M also failed to meet the following WDGPH requirements, resulting in the 10 non-critical infractions:
– adequate hand washing stations in all preparation/service areas that are used for handwashing only (corrected during inspection);
– proper use and storage of clean utensils;
– proper design, construction, installation and maintenance of food contact surfaces;
– sound and tight construction of equipment that is in good repair and easily cleaned and sanitized;
– proper cleaning and sanitization of food contact surfaces after each use and as often as necessary;
– frequent garbage removal;
– adequate protection against insects, birds, rodents and other pests;
– ensuring all floors, walls and ceilings are clean and in good repair;
– adequate lighting for food preparation and cleaning; and
– good housekeeping to maintain a clean and sanitary condition.
“We don’t typically see closures that often,” Morris said.
The L&M was closed previously by public health in July 2016 for nine non-critical infractions and three critical infractions, including food handlers not washing hands prior to commencing work and/or after potential contamination.
She encouraged the public to consult the Check Before You Choose website for inspection reports on grocery stores, restaurants, pools and other health-related establishments.
“We have a job to do and we take it seriously, so if it means shutting you down, we will,” said Morris.
If a member of the community would like to report a complaint about a food establishment they can call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4753.
