Cotta Food Bar

Inspection summary

Cotta Food Bar has been inspected 7 times by Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) since December 14, 2024. The most recent inspection, on July 22, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

2 of 7 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 4 inspections with 4 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food temperature control.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 16, 2026. For example: Separate handwash stations are provided with the required supplies

• 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 across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 16, 2026. For example: Mechanical dishwashing equipment is properly constructed, designed, and maintained

• 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 2 times on June 17, 2025. For example: Accurate indicating thermometers are provided for equipment used for refrigeration or hot-holding of food

• 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 16, 2026. For example: All equipment, utensils, and multi-service articles are adequately constructed and maintained

• 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 once on July 22, 2026. For example: The premises is supplied with adequate potable hot and cold running water

About this data

These results come from Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), 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 Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) disclosure site
• See all inspected facilities in Windsor-Essex
• How to read an inspection report