Balkan Bakery

Inspection summary

Balkan Bakery has been inspected 5 times by Vancouver Coastal Health since October 13, 2023. The most recent inspection, on September 15, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

None of the 5 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Food temperature control.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

• Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

  Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

  Recorded 2 times on September 10, 2026. For example: The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.

• Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

  Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

  Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 10, 2026. For example: Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.

• Food temperature controlHigher risk

  Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

  Recorded once on October 13, 2023. For example: Potentially hazardous food is at a hot holding temperature that keeps it safe to eat.

• Food safety training and certificationLower risk

  Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

  Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on September 15, 2026. For example: A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.

• Permits, records and postingLower risk

  Operating permits, required signage, written procedures and logs. These findings are administrative: the documentation was missing or out of date at the time of inspection.

  Recorded 2 times on April 23, 2024. For example: The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.

About this data

These results come from Vancouver Coastal Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

• View the official Vancouver Coastal Health disclosure site
• See all inspected facilities in Vancouver Coastal
• How to read an inspection report