News

SIMCOE, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013 – Although the burger stand on the outskirts of Caledonia at Highway 6 and Argyle Street South may be open for business, public health officials are advising people to take their business elsewhere.

A visit by public health inspectors earlier this summer revealed that the stand was operating without potable water or a consistent power source. The establishment also lacked a proper handwashing station for employees.

After being closed for two weeks during the summer, the burger stand has reopened for business, contrary to a Court Order. Inspectors have not been allowed back into the establishment to determine whether or not the deficiencies have been corrected.

“Attempts have been made to determine if work was done to bring it up to the standards required by the Food Premises Regulation,” said Sandy Stevens, Program Manager for the Health Unit’s Environmental Health Team. “Unfortunately, staff and operators at the stand have not been co-operative with Health Unit staff, and we have no new information that would lead us to believe deficiencies have been corrected, and that the terms of the Court Order are being followed.”

Until the Health Unit obtains confirmation that these food safety hazards have been adequately addressed they are recommending that people avoid consuming food prepared at the burger stand in question.

“The minimum food safety requirements outlined in the provincial regulation are in place to protect the public from a wide range of illnesses associated with the improper handling of food,” explained Stevens. “It’s our hope that the operators, and the land owner, will decide to co-operate with our inspectors, and recognize the importance of food safety when preparing food for families and children.”

While the Health Unit continues working with legal advisors to determine their course of action regarding the burger stand’s health violations, they are encouraging residents to dine at one of the countless other area food establishments who are regularly inspected and comply with the Regulations.

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Media contact:
Sandy Stevens
Program Manager, Environmental Health Team
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
Ext. 3216 at either 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623
[email protected]