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BIG LIFE WHOLE FOODS

84 PORTLAND, DARTMOUTH · Food Establishment

Official record from Nova Scotia →

Inspection summary

BIG LIFE WHOLE FOODS has been inspected 2 times by Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (Food Safety Program) since September 19, 2025. The most recent inspection, on November 21, 2025, recorded 1 infraction.

None of the 2 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Chemicals and toxic substances, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

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.

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on November 21, 2025. For example: 19(1)(c) A food establishment must be located, designed, constructed and maintained to ensure all of the following: (c) that the surfaces and materials are durable, non-toxic and are easy to maintain, clean and sanitize;

  • 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 September 19, 2025. For example: 19(2)(b) A food establishment must provide all of the following in accordance with applicable legislation or as considered acceptable by the Administrator: (b) adequately designed and appropriately located hand-washing facilities;

  • 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 once on September 19, 2025. For example: 29(2)(a) A maintenance, cleaning and sanitation program must include procedures to ensure that all of the following are done: (a) the food establishment and equipment are maintained, cleaned and sanitized;

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded once on September 19, 2025. For example: 29(2)(b) A maintenance, cleaning and sanitation program must include procedures to ensure that all of the following are done: (b) insects, rodents and other pests are controlled;

  • 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 September 19, 2025. For example: 28(1) An operator must successfully complete a food hygiene training program and provide proof of this to the Administrator upon request.

About this data

These results come from Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (Food Safety Program), 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.

2 inspections

  1. Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 19(1)(c) A food establishment must be located, designed, constructed and maintained to ensure all of the following:  (c) that the surfaces and materials are durable, non-toxic and are easy to maintain, clean and sanitize;
      • In accordance with Section 2.3 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure walls and ceilings are constructed of finishes which are smooth, impermeable, and washable. In accordance with Section 2.4.2 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure all floors are durable, easily cleanable and non-slip. In accordance with Section 4.6 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure all surfaces such as floors, walls and ceilings are cleaned at a frequency that will prevent accumulation of dust, dirt and debris.
  2. Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 19(1)(c) A food establishment must be located, designed, constructed and maintained to ensure all of the following:  (c) that the surfaces and materials are durable, non-toxic and are easy to maintain, clean and sanitize;
      • In accordance with Section 2.3 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure walls and ceilings are constructed of finishes which are smooth, impermeable, and washable. In accordance with Section 2.4.2 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure all floors are durable, easily cleanable and non-slip. In accordance with Section 4.6 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure all surfaces such as floors, walls and ceilings are cleaned at a frequency that will prevent accumulation of dust, dirt and debris.
    • 19(2)(b) A food establishment must provide all of the following in accordance with applicable legislation or as considered acceptable by the Administrator: (b) adequately designed and appropriately located hand-washing facilities;
      • Hand sinks must have paper towel in a dispenser.
    • 28(1) An operator must successfully complete a food hygiene training program and provide proof of this to the Administrator upon request.
      • In accordance with Section 6.3.3 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must provide verification of completion of a valid, recognized food hygiene course to the Department.
    • 29(2)(a) A maintenance, cleaning and sanitation program must include procedures to ensure that all of the following are done: (a) the food establishment and equipment are maintained, cleaned and sanitized;
      • In accordance with Section 4.2.2 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure non-food contact surfaces of equipment must be cleaned at a frequency that will prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris.
    • 29(2)(b) A maintenance, cleaning and sanitation program must include procedures to ensure that all of the following are done: (b) insects, rodents and other pests are controlled;
      • Clean and disinfect areas affected by rodent droppings.

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