Ben's Variety

Inspection summary

Ben's Variety has been inspected 3 times by Niagara Region Public Health since November 27, 2025. The most recent inspection, on August 26, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

1 of 3 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Chemicals and toxic substances.

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.

• 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 once on August 26, 2026. For example: Handwashing stations are maintained and kept adequately supplied.

• 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 November 27, 2025. For example: Cold holding is adequate and maintained at 4°C (40°F) or lower.

• 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 November 27, 2025. For example: Proper sanitizer test kit is readily available for verifying concentrations of chemical sanitizers.

• 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 once on November 27, 2025. For example: An adequate number of handwashing stations are maintained and kept adequately supplied and are situated for convenient access by food handlers.

• Equipment and utensilsLower risk

  Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

  Recorded once on November 27, 2025. For example: Surfaces which come in contact with food are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

About this data

These results come from Niagara Region Public 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 Niagara Region Public Health disclosure site
• See all inspected facilities in Niagara Region
• How to read an inspection report