Toronto Health Inspectors Shut Down Two Restaurants for Violations

Two restaurants in Toronto have been closed by health inspectors due to multiple violations discovered during recent inspections. The establishments, Padella and Kerala Kafe, each received significant infractions that prompted immediate health hazard orders.

Details of the Violations

Padella, located at 1967 Avenue Rd. in North York, specializes in authentic Italian cuisine. It received a total of eight infractions, including two crucial violations. One of these was related to the food premises being maintained in a manner that permits a health hazard due to the presence of insects. The other critical issue involved failing to protect food from contamination. Following the inspection on October 24, 2023, Padella received a health hazard order and a summons, with compliance required by October 29, 2023.

In addition to the crucial infraction, the Italian eatery was cited for four significant violations. These included inadequate pest control, insufficient cleaning of equipment surfaces, a lack of adequate hand-washing stations, and the use of food equipment not in sound condition. Two minor infractions were also noted, pertaining to insufficient sanitization of equipment surfaces and clutter in the food-handling area.

Restaurant owner Giovanni posted a message on Padella’s website, announcing the temporary closure was due to “unforeseen circumstances.” He assured patrons that the restaurant is working diligently to resolve the issues and aims to reopen as soon as possible.

Kerala Kafe’s Health Hazards

Meanwhile, Kerala Kafe, situated at 3258 Lawrence Ave. E. in Scarborough, is also closed for similar reasons. The restaurant, known for its traditional Indian dishes, received eight infractions during the same inspection. Kerala Kafe faced three crucial violations, including the failure to maintain sanitary operations, along with significant issues regarding food protection from contamination.

The health hazard order issued to Kerala Kafe requires compliance by October 29, 2023. Significant infractions included inadequate cleaning of equipment surfaces and poorly maintained hand-washing stations. The sole minor violation involved unclean floors in the food-handling area.

A comprehensive list of infractions for Toronto establishments can be found on the DineSafe website, where residents can stay informed about the health standards of local dining establishments.

Both closures highlight the ongoing efforts of Toronto Public Health to ensure the safety and well-being of the public when dining out.