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Desert Hills Ranch

250 Elm St Ashcroft BC V0K 1A0 · Food Retailer - Food Store

Official record from Interior Health →View on Google Maps →

Details

Google rating
4.8 / 5 (8)

Opening hours

  • Friday9 AM–5:30 PM
  • Monday9 AM–5:30 PM
  • Saturday9 AM–5:30 PM
  • Sunday9 AM–5:30 PM
  • Thursday9 AM–5:30 PM
  • Tuesday9 AM–5:30 PM
  • Wednesday9 AM–5:30 PM

Contact details, hours and reviews from Google Maps

Inspection summary

Desert Hills Ranch has been inspected 5 times by Interior Health Authority since May 3, 2017. The most recent inspection, on August 4, 2026, found no infractions.

1 of 5 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Pests.

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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 22, 2024. For example: 7 Are there handwashing stations available and properly supplied?

  • 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 10, 2022. For example: 2 Are proper temperature controls maintained to ensure safe storage and display of foods?

  • 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 May 25, 2018. For example: 2 Are proper pest control measures in place on the premises?

  • 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 May 3, 2017. For example: 3 - Are equipment, food contact surfaces and utensils washed, sanitized and stored in a manner that removes/prevents contamination?

  • 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 once on May 3, 2017. For example: 4 - Are the premises, equipment and utensils designed and maintained to ensure safe and sanitary food handling?

About this data

These results come from Interior 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.

5 inspections

  1. Monitoring

    0 infractions

  2. Monitoring

    1 infraction

    • F2.7 Are there handwashing stations available and properly supplied?
      • Observation(s): The 2 compartment sink was being used for handwashing, than ensure there is sanitizing step before any other use. There is a requirement a designated hand washing station to be located nearby. As part of facility expansion plans operator is looking at options to install. Corrective Actions: • Ensure that this designated handwashing station is used for hand washing only and have all supplies required (Single dispense paper towel, hot/cold water, hand soap, and a refuse container nearby). Staff must use this to ensure good hand hygiene practices. • If placing a hand washing station closer to the prep table and compartment sinks there will be a requirement of a splash guard to prevent cross contamination risk
      • F2.7A Handwashing station must be supplied with hot and cold running water.
      • F2.7B Handwashing station must be supplied with liquid soap in a dispenser.
      • F2.7C Handwashing station must be supplied with single-service product for drying hands.
      • F2.7D Handwashing stations must be maintained, adequate in number and location, to ensure convenient access to all employees.
      • F2.7E Handwashing stations must remain accessible at all times.
  3. Monitoring

    2 infractions

    • F1.2 Are proper temperature controls maintained to ensure safe storage and display of foods?
      • Observation(s): • All temperature control units were at satisfactory temperatures - Walk in cooler = 2.8 to 3.0 °C - Freezer units (3) = all ≤-18°C • Observed tortillas with label indicating to keep refrigerated out at room temperature, items were still frozen indicating they had been moved out recently. Corrected During Inspection: • Operator was instructed to place these food items in the walk in cooler or the freezer immediately. EHO confirmed items were moved to walk in cooler at time of inspection.
      • F1.2A Potentially hazardous foods must be stored or displayed at a temperature of 60 °C (140 °F) or hotter.
      • F1.2B Potentially hazardous foods must be stored or displayed at a temperature of 4 °C (40 °F) or colder.
      • F1.2C Potentially hazardous foods must be transported at a temperature of 60 °C (140 °F) or hotter.
      • F1.2D Potentially hazardous foods must be transported at a temperature of 4 °C (40 °F) or colder.
    • F2.7 Are there handwashing stations available and properly supplied?
      • Observation(s): Hot and cold potable water and liquid hand soap was available at the site. Have single use paper towels at the hand wash station. ( The front sink area). Staff were using sink in washroom (rear of building). This isn't a easily accessible location. If you have a use the 2 compartment sink for handwashing, than ensure there is sanitizing step before any other use. Corrective Actions: • Ensure that this designated handwashing station is used for hand washing only and have all supplies required (Single dispense paper towel, hot/cold water, hand soap, and a refuse container nearby). Staff must use this to ensure good hand hygiene practices. • Ideally another sink that is designated for hand washing should be installed.
      • F2.7C Handwashing station must be supplied with single-service product for drying hands.
      • F2.7D Handwashing stations must be maintained, adequate in number and location, to ensure convenient access to all employees.
      • F2.7E Handwashing stations must remain accessible at all times.
  4. Monitoring

    2 infractions

    • F2.2 Are proper pest control measures in place on the premises?
      • Observation(s): Observed flies landing on single service units for ice cream. Storage area for the bowls was above the garbage
    • F2.4 Are proper freezing and thawing procedures followed?
      • Observation(s): Stand up Freezer held foods at -5C to -7C during inspection. This is potentially due to it being overstocked. All frozen goods are to be held at -18C/0F or less.
      • F2.4A Potentially hazardous frozen food must be maintained at -18 °C (0 °F) or colder.
  5. Monitoring

    3 infractions

    • F2.3 - Are equipment, food contact surfaces and utensils washed, sanitized and stored in a manner that removes/prevents contamination?
      • Observation(s): Ice cream scoop was found submerged in a soiled water. It was placed for washing. Ice cream scoop needs to be submerged in a cold running water. Another option is that each flavour has individual ice cream scoop.
    • F3.4 - Are the premises, equipment and utensils designed and maintained to ensure safe and sanitary food handling?
      • Observation(s): Ensure that the facility is kept in a clean and sanitary manner. Cleaning of gardening supplies need to be done outside of the food facility.
    • F3.6 - Does the operator and appropriate employees hold a valid FOODSAFE certificate?
      • Observation(s): If the operator is not present at the site, at minimum one employee per shift needs to have valid FoodSafe certificate. Please follow the link for information on FoodSafe courses near youL http://www.foodsafe.ca/
      • F3.6A - Operator must have valid FOODSAFE certificate or equivalent training.
      • F3.6B - In the absence of the operator, at least one employee present in the establishment must have valid FOODSAFE certificate or equivalent training.

Nearby inspected facilities

Reviews

Reviews provided by Google Maps
  • Ann Badjura

    What a fun place to visit! We were on a little road trip to Lone Butte and friends of ours who have family in Williams Lake told us to stop here on our way, so we did. There is a little animal barn free to visit with alpaca's, bunnies, horses, goats, etc. Apparently there is also a playground and bouncy castle. This would be a fun place for children, but us adults enjoyed it as well! Our reason for stopping was to buy local fruit and vegetables. But the animal barn and the beautiful grounds were also nice to see. There is ice cream, they sell tons of different flavours. And then there is the farm market with lots of local fruits and vegetables. They also sell plants. The staff is super friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed our stop here and if we are in the area again we will definitely stop in again!

  • Kim Lawton

    After we stopped at Desert Hills Taco Stand, just outside of Cache Creek, we drove a few minutes to Desert Hills Ranch, just outside of Ashcroft. Again this business was highly recommended to us. I (Kim) have been once before. This was John's first time visiting. First, this is probably the largest fresh produce stand we have seen. It was absolutely jammed packed with every imaginable type of produce; mostly local, farm-grown from their farms, or brought in from Mexico. We bought all sorts of fresh fruit and vegetables. The strawberries were big and ripe. When we got them home and tried them, they were so delicious and juicy! They also have a huge section of plants, herbs, bedding plants, veggie starters, as well as gorgeous planters and hanging baskets. Plus soil. We also loaded up on some amazing plants and a couple of planters. We were there on Mother's Day, which they later posted on Facebook was their busiest day in history. It was packed, but with the way everything is laid out, we didn't feel overwhelmed. They had every till open, with multiple people working at each till, and the process was seamless, and the service outstanding. Despite the fact that it was absolutely packed in there, we had two people offer to help us out with our purchases to our car. Apparently, they bring in approximately 150 Mexican workers through Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Program to help with the farm and the store. Every person that we dealt with was so welcoming and kind. They also have other attractions including animals to visit such as climbing goats and Clydesdale horses. In the fall, they have a pumpkin patch, so we want to go back again for that. While we didn't have Mikki and Merlot with us on this trip, they do often come with us on our travels. What also really impressed us is that they have outdoor kennels where you can leave your dogs while you shop. Isn't that amazing? A cool fact is that they get over 2,400 hours of sunlight annually. So the farm now grows over 40 different products including melons, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and so much more. Their website has all sorts of recipes to check out using the products they sell. Best spot to watch is their Facebook page as they are very active and post about what's in season, what's on special, and other events. It's a spot we definitely recommend checking out. If you're not from the area, make it a day trip and hit up both the Desert Hills Taco Stand and the Desert Hills Farm.

  • jara jules

    Great place to get unbelievable deals! Friendly staff and fresh produce.. the animals are also beautiful and well tended.. gigantic ice cream with generous amounts when served.. service is offered with large loads to help you load your vehicle.. absolutely recommend.. I source fresh fruits and vegetables here for my artisan micro bakery and I am never disappointed.

  • Amber Bamber

    Decided to visit specifically because they advertised their Pumpkin patch on FB in a theme I adore. Was not disappointed. Could make an afternoon of it and enjoy all their site has to offer (playground, bouncy house, animal petting and feeding area), but as I was only traveling through this time, we picked out our produce and left. Fabulous selection at amazing prices. So much effort in their displays. Will return in the future.

  • Kathleen Dmytruk

    I have always loved coming here but what makes it better is you can bring your dog as it is pet friendly. The stuff was awesome as always.

  • Ann Badjura

    What a fun place to visit! We were on a little road trip to Lone Butte and friends of ours who have family in Williams Lake told us to stop here on our way, so we did. There is a little animal barn free to visit with alpaca's, bunnies, …

  • Kim Lawton

    After we stopped at Desert Hills Taco Stand, just outside of Cache Creek, we drove a few minutes to Desert Hills Ranch, just outside of Ashcroft. Again this business was highly recommended to us. I (Kim) have been once before. This was …

  • jara jules

    Great place to get unbelievable deals! Friendly staff and fresh produce.. the animals are also beautiful and well tended.. gigantic ice cream with generous amounts when served.. service is offered with large loads to help you load your …

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