Balm Beach Bar and Smokehouse

Inspection summary

Balm Beach Bar and Smokehouse has been inspected 6 times by Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit since December 19, 2024. The most recent inspection, on September 14, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

2 of 6 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 5 inspections with 19 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Protecting food from contamination.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on September 14, 2026. For example: Either mechanical or manual dishwashing must be provided.

• 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on September 11, 2026. For example: Internal temperature of potentially hazardous food maintained at 4° Celsius or lower.

• Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

  This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

  Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on September 14, 2026. For example: Furniture, equipment and appliances in food handling and storage rooms arranged and constructed in a clean and sanitary manner.

• Chemicals and toxic substancesHigher risk

  Cleaning products, sanitizers and pesticides must be labelled and stored away from food and food-contact surfaces. Inspectors flag chemicals that could end up in food, as well as pest treatments applied without proper supervision.

  Recorded once on September 11, 2026. For example: Toxic or poisonous substances required for maintenance in food premises are stored and handled as prescribed in the regulation.

• Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

  Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

  Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 11, 2026. For example: Food premises shall be equipped and maintained as prescribed in the regulation.

About this data

These results come from Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 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 Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit disclosure site
• See all inspected facilities in Simcoe-Muskoka
• How to read an inspection report