Toronto Bagel Shop Closes After Health Violations Inspection

A bagel shop located in Toronto’s Little Italy district has been ordered to close following a health inspection that uncovered multiple violations. College Street Bagels, situated at 697 College St., received a total of ten infractions during the inspection conducted by Toronto Public Health on March 15, 2024. These violations included two crucial, two significant, and six minor issues, prompting immediate action from health authorities.

The closure took effect on March 16, following a summons and a health hazard order. Inspectors deemed that the establishment was being maintained in a manner that posed a health risk to customers. Among the most serious violations was the failure to protect food from contamination or adulteration, a critical concern cited by inspectors during the evaluation.

In addition to the critical infractions, the bagel shop faced two significant violations. These included the improper use of the hand-washing station, which had been utilized for purposes other than employee handwashing, and inadequate measures to prevent the harbouring of pests within the premises. Such findings raise concerns about food safety and hygiene standards at the establishment.

The six minor infractions noted by inspectors included the following: the walls of the food-handling area were not maintained in good repair, despite the room’s floors being kept clean. Additionally, there were failures to ensure that equipment surfaces were sanitized as required, to protect against pest entry, and to use shelves that were of a readily cleanable design.

These findings align with ongoing scrutiny of food safety regulations in Toronto, where health inspectors actively monitor establishments for compliance. A detailed list of infractions at various Toronto restaurants can be accessed through the DineSafe program, which provides transparency about health standards in the city.

As of now, College Street Bagels, which also operates a location in North York, remains closed as it addresses the cited violations. The closure serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous health and safety standards in the food industry to protect public health.