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Cafe Zen On Yew

1631 Yew St, Vancouver BC V6K 3E6 · Food Service Establishment 1

Official record from Vancouver Coastal →

Inspection summary

Cafe Zen On Yew has been inspected 27 times by Vancouver Coastal Health since February 17, 2016. The most recent inspection, on July 6, 2026, found no infractions.

4 of 27 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 5 inspections with 17 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests and Protecting food from contamination.

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 14 times across 12 separate inspections, most recently on June 29, 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.

  • 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 14 times across 12 separate inspections, most recently on June 29, 2026. For example: The premises is free of pests.

  • 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 11 times across 11 separate inspections, most recently on June 29, 2026. For example: Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.

  • 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 9 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on June 29, 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 9 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on December 2, 2025. For example: Potentially hazardous food is at a hot holding temperature that keeps it safe to eat.

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.

27 inspections

  1. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  2. Routine Follow-up

    5 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from customer contamination. (e.g. sneeze guards).
    • 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.
      • The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
    • The premises is free of conditions that lead to harbouring, breeding and entry of pests.
  3. Routine

    5 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is stored in a manner that promotes cross contamination.
    • 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.
      • The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
    • The premises is free of conditions that lead to harbouring, breeding and entry of pests.
  4. Routine Follow-up

    3 infractions

    • Food is cooked/processed in a manner that makes it safe to eat
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a hot holding temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored or displayed at 60°C or above.
    • Operator of a food service establishment has developed, maintained, and followed approved written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
  5. Routine

    4 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
    • Food is cooked/processed in a manner that makes it safe to eat
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a hot holding temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored or displayed at 60°C or above.
    • Operator of a food service establishment has developed, maintained, and followed approved written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
      • An accurate thermometer is not provided for temperature monitoring.
  6. Routine

    4 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is stored in a manner that promotes cross contamination.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • Operator of a food service establishment has developed, maintained, and followed approved written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • Operator of a food service establishment has approved written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
  7. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  8. Routine

    5 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Premises is not in adequate repair or in sanitary condition.
    • A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
      • No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
  9. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of insect activity.
  10. Routine

    4 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Premises is not in adequate repair or in sanitary condition.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of insect activity.
  11. Routine Follow-up

    3 infractions

    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Food safety plan is not developed.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitation plan is not developed.
  12. Routine Follow-up

    5 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Premises is not in adequate repair or in sanitary condition.
    • A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
      • No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are inadequate in number and location, preventing accessibility to all food handlers.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Food safety plan is not developed.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
      • Sanitation plan is not developed.
  13. Routine

    7 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Premises is not in adequate repair or in sanitary condition.
    • A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
      • No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Mechanical dishwasher/glasswasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
      • Food safety plan is not developed.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
      • Sanitation plan is not developed.
      • Test strips are not available to monitor sanitizer level.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
  14. Routine

    8 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Premises is not in adequate repair or in sanitary condition.
    • A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of insect activity.
  15. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
  16. Routine

    6 infractions

    • Operation of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
    • 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.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Food safety plan is not developed.
    • The premises is free of pests.
  17. Routine

    4 infractions

    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
      • Permit to Operate is not posted in a conspicuous location.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
    • Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
      • Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Procedures in the food safety plan are not being followed.
  18. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  19. Routine Follow-up

    2 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • 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.
      • The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
  20. Routine Follow-up

    4 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • 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.
      • The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
  21. Routine

    6 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
    • 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.
      • The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
      • Conditions on premises may lead to harbouring/breeding of pests.
  22. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  23. Routine

    3 infractions

    • 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.
      • Equipment, utensils and/or food contact surfaces are not in a condition that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of a rodent infestation.
  24. Routine Follow-up

    2 infractions

    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
  25. Routine

    4 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
    • 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.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
  26. Routine Follow-up

    4 infractions

    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
    • 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.
    • The premises is free of pests.
  27. Routine

    7 infractions

    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
      • Permit to Operate is not posted in a conspicuous location.
    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • An accurate thermometer is not provided for temperature monitoring.
    • 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.
      • The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of a rodent infestation.
      • Conditions on premises may lead to harbouring/breeding of pests.
    • Chemicals, cleansers and similar agents are kept separate from food.

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