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Courtenay Country Market - Café

5352 Island Highway North, Courtenay, BC, V9J 1S9 · Food Premises

Official record from Island Health →

Inspection summary

Courtenay Country Market - Café has been inspected 4 times by Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority) since May 25, 2026. The most recent inspection, on May 27, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

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

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.

  • 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 across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 25, 2026. For example: Critical Inadequate Cooling & Refrigerated Storage of Potentially Hazardous Food(s)

  • 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 May 25, 2026. For example: Critical Improper Cleaning, Sanitizing of Equipment and Utensils

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 27, 2026. For example: Food Handler Training

About this data

These results come from Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), 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.

4 inspections

  1. Follow-Up

    1 infraction

    • Food Handler Training
      • Operator to sign up for a FoodSafe Level 1 course in 1 month, and complete in 3 months. Notify EHO when completed. Comments Requirements in Order have been completed in full. Discard ice in ice machine, clean and sanitize in full prior to reuse. Increase sanitation in your hard-to-reach areas. Dishwasher final rinse reached at least 71°C at the plate. Refrigeration units x 2 measured at or below 4°C. Operator reported all food contact surfaces have been washed, cleaned, and sanitized. Facility organization and sanitation acceptable (note, more attention needed in hard-to-reach areas). Closure Order rescinded effective May 27, 2026. Facility may reopen. Update effective May 28, 2026 from operator: ice machine serviced, hard-to-reach areas serviced.
  2. Follow-Up

    0 infractions

  3. Follow-Up

    4 infractions

    • Critical Inadequate Cooling & Refrigerated Storage of Potentially Hazardous Food(s)
      • PHFs were discarded. Both refrigeration units x 2 ('deli-hood' by ice cream and 'open' case') empty.
      • Fix units. Notify EHO when fixed for reinspection. Other units in compliance.
    • Critical Improper Cleaning, Sanitizing of Equipment and Utensils
      • Operator is scheduling repair for dishwasher with rep.
      • Notify EHO when fixed for a reinspection.
    • Poor Hygiene and Activities of Food Handlers
      • New item: operator - improper handwashing.
      • Wash your hands thoroughly and at required frequency to prevent contamination.
    • Food Handler Training
      • New item: operator did not demonstrate proper food handling training/knowledge.
      • Sign up for a FoodSafe Level 1 course within 1 month. Complete within 3 months. EHO to follow up. Comments Follow-up inspection. Facility was closed at the time of inspection in compliance with verbal Order. Physical copy of Order provided onsite, and digital copy emailed after inspection. Reviewed Order requirements and timelines.
  4. Routine

    2 infractions

    • Critical Inadequate Cooling & Refrigerated Storage of Potentially Hazardous Food(s)
      • Refrigeration units x 2 ('deli hood' by ice cream and 'open case') measured at 11°C ambient, probed potentially hazardous foods (PHFs) measured at 11°C. Last temperature check was last night.
      • Discard all PHFs. Fix units. Do not use these units to store PHFs until re-inspected and permission granted.
    • Critical Improper Cleaning, Sanitizing of Equipment and Utensils
      • Dishwasher final rinse temperature did not reach 71°C at the internal plate level, despite multiple cycles. Detergent component empty. Operator not aware.
      • Close facility. Fix dishwasher and ensure final rinse temperature reaches at least 71°C (plate) and 82°C (at the gauge). In the interim, operator is using manual method. Notify EHO for re-inspection and permission to use dishwasher once it's fixed. All food contact surfaces will need to be washed, cleaned, and sanitized. Comments Facility closure. EHO gave verbal closure Order, outlined violations, corrective actions, and timelines. To follow-up with written copy. Other refrigeration units and freezers for cafe in compliance. Operator closed facility and began discarding foods.

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