Calgary diners skeptical about restaurant inspection regime

Calgary, Alberta – that’s in Canada —  is a groovy town with an influx of new oil money meaning lots of new dining establishments.

But as reported by the Calgary Sun, Calgarians are questioning how safe it is to dine out after learning it took the province more than a decade to crack down on repeated health violations at a popular local restaurant chain.

Roxanne Taylor-King and her five Nellie’s outlets were ordered to pay $61,870 for Public Health Act violations by a provincial court judge on Friday.

The breaches, which occurred over a period of 12 years, included mouse droppings in food, storing food on floors and in customer areas, keeping eggs at room temperature and inadequate cleaning.

Alberta Auditor General Fred Dunn issued a scathing report about food inspections last fall.

Dunn’s office found that inspection frequencies still weren’t meeting targets and food inspectors were also failing to follow up at food establishments with critical violations.

Calgarian Katie Hines said it’s disturbing it took the province 12 years to crack down on the popular, all-day breakfast chain.

“That’s a bit ridiculous,” she said.
 

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About Douglas Powell

A former professor of food safety and the publisher of barfblog.com, Powell is passionate about food, has five daughters, and is an OK goaltender in pickup hockey. Download Doug’s CV here. Dr. Douglas Powell editor, barfblog.com retired professor, food safety 3/289 Annerley Rd Annerley, Queensland 4103 dpowell29@gmail.com 61478222221 I am based in Brisbane, Australia, 15 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time