Montreal’s Chenoy’s Deli Faces $7,200 in Health Inspection Fines

Montreal’s renowned deli, Chenoy’s, has been ordered to pay a total of $7,200 in fines following multiple health inspection violations. The penalties were issued by the province’s Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ), with the infractions dating back to 2022 and 2023. The restaurant, located on Boulevard Saint-Jean in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, is a staple in the city’s culinary scene, recognized primarily for its smoked meat sandwiches.

The fines, which were officially announced earlier this month, consist of four separate citations. The breakdown is as follows: $2,100 for an infraction from September 11, 2023; $1,900 for a violation dated January 12, 2023; $1,500 for a March 8, 2022 infraction; and $1,700 for a violation recorded on July 15, 2022. Each infraction was related to the presence of contaminants, pollutants, or animals—including insects and rodents—within the establishment.

Long History Meets Regulatory Scrutiny

Chenoy’s has been a notable presence in Montreal since its inception in 1936. Initially located on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, the deli has maintained a loyal customer base, especially at its current location which opened in 1974. Despite its popularity, the recent fines highlight that even established restaurants must adhere strictly to health regulations.

Although fines of this nature are not rare in Quebec, Chenoy’s stands out due to its long-standing reputation. The province’s decision to publicize the details of the violations serves to remind both consumers and restaurateurs that compliance with health standards is paramount. Other well-known establishments, such as Escondite, St-Hubert, Nickels, and Les Enfants Terribles, have also faced penalties this year for various infractions.

Ensuring Public Safety

MAPAQ emphasizes that the continuation of operations at a restaurant indicates that corrective measures have been implemented. Inspectors are tasked with ensuring that health standards are met, and temporary closures are enforced only when there is an immediate threat to public health. For patrons, this suggests that enjoying a meal at Chenoy’s is relatively safe, despite the recent fines.

The case of Chenoy’s reinforces the importance of public health regulations in the restaurant industry. With increased scrutiny from health inspectors, the culinary landscape in Montreal remains vigilant, ensuring that all establishments maintain high standards for food safety. As the city continues to embrace its rich culinary heritage, the balance between tradition and compliance remains critical in safeguarding public health.