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Damascus Food Market

942 Hillside Avenue, 3, Victoria, BC, V8T 2T1 · Food Premises

Official record from Island Health →

Inspection summary

Damascus Food Market has been inspected 2 times by Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority) since May 7, 2026. The most recent inspection, on May 20, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

None of the 2 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 9 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Protecting food from contamination 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.

  • 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 3 times on May 7, 2026. For example: Critical Food Not Protected From Contamination - Micro

  • 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 20, 2026. For example: Critical Improper Cleaning, Sanitizing of Equipment and Utensils

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 20, 2026. For example: Improper Construction / Maintenance of Establishment

  • Other findingsLower risk

    Findings that do not fit the categories above, such as follow-ups that confirm an earlier violation was corrected, or requirements specific to this type of facility.

    Recorded once on May 7, 2026. For example: Improper Sanitary Facilities

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.

2 inspections

  1. Follow-Up

    2 infractions

    • Critical Improper Cleaning, Sanitizing of Equipment and Utensils
      • Bleach sanitizer at greater than 200 ppm. Operator to train staff to verify concentration with test strips (100-200 ppm). 1/2 tsp. of bleach diluted with 1 L of water.
      • Operator diluted solution to 200 ppm.
    • Improper Construction / Maintenance of Establishment
      • Cutting board noted with stains and debris.
      • Wash and sanitize cutting board after each use. Operator moved cutting board to three compartment sink to clean. Comments Follow up conducted for inspection on May 7, 2026. Hand wash sink fully stocked and unobstructed. Remove extra meat cutter to make room and facilitate cleaning. Meats are stored in plastic bags/trays in separate cooler away from fresh produce. Meat saw has been cleaned and storage rack has been cleaned. Floor tiles under meat processing area replace and in good condition.
  2. Routine

    7 infractions

    • Critical Food Not Protected From Contamination - Micro
      • Meat cutter/saw with meat pieces, operator indicated the slicer was cleaned a day ago.
      • The meat cutter (not in refrigerated space) should be cleaned and sanitized at least every two hours.
    • Critical Food Not Protected From Contamination - Micro
      • Raw meats and offals/bones stored directly in coolers without trays, bags or packaging, contacting metal racks that are also used for fresh produce.
      • Raw meat products should be sealed in packaging or stored in lidded containers to prevent cross contamination. Fresh produce (veggies and fruit) should be stored in separated coolers to avoid cross contamination. Surfaces that had prior contact with raw foods should be cleaned and sanitized. Any juices/drippings should be cleaned and sanitized promptly.
    • Critical Improper Cleaning, Sanitizing of Equipment and Utensils
      • Bleach sanitizer measured at greater than 200 ppm chlorine.
      • Operator diluted sanitizer at 200 ppm chlorine. Bleach sanitizer should be maintained at 100-200 ppm. Obtain test strips to verify.
    • Food Not Protected - General
      • Carcass hanging at room temperature. EHO temped the meat at 6°C.
      • Operator transferred lamb carcasses to the cooler to be held below 4°C.
    • Improper Sanitary Facilities
      • Hand wash station obstructed by products, garbage bags and cleaning chemicals.
      • Hand sink should be dedicated to hand washing only and be unobstructed and accessible at all times and be fully supplied with soap, paper towel, hot and cold water.
    • Improper Construction / Maintenance of Establishment
      • Floor tiles in meat process area is cracked/damaged and not longer easily cleanable.
      • Replace broken tiles so that the food preparation areas surfaces are smooth and easily cleanable.
    • Improper Construction / Maintenance of Establishment
      • Storage rack across three compartment sink observed to be visibly soiled, with dirt and debris build up.
      • Adhere to cleaning schedule to clean shelving and floors routinely (daily). Comments Routine inspection conducted. Cooler at 4°C or less. Discussed getting additional FoodSafe certified. An Order was issued for closure due to insanitary conditions and improper food storage. Note: Repeat non compliance for improper food storage will result in issuance of a violation ticket.

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