Erie Cafe & Variety
6 Erie Street SO, Merlin ON N0P 1W0 · Restaurant
Inspection summary
Erie Cafe & Variety has been inspected 11 times by Chatham-Kent Public Health since April 29, 2022. The most recent inspection, on September 16, 2026, found no infractions.
4 of 11 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Pests and Protecting food from contamination.
The last 3 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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.
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 December 16, 2024. For example:
Potentially hazardous food is held at 4°C (40°F) or less s. 27(1) a
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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 11, 2024. For example:
Premises is adequately protected against the entry and harbourage of pests s. 13
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 once on June 2, 2025. For example:
Racks, shelves or pallets that are used to store food in a food premise must be designed to protect the food from contamination and must be readily cleanable S. 31
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 December 8, 2022. For example:
Food contact surfaces are cleaned and sanitized as often as necessary to maintain them in a sanitary condition s. 16, 21, 22.
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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 16, 2024. For example:
General housekeeping is satisfactory s. 7(1)e, f
About this data
These results come from Chatham-Kent Public 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.
11 inspections
- Required
0 infractions
- Required
0 infractions
- Required
0 infractions
- Required
1 infraction
- Racks, shelves or pallets that are used to store food in a food premise must be designed to protect the food from contamination and must be readily cleanable S. 31
- Required
3 infractions
- General housekeeping is satisfactory s. 7(1)e, f
- Premises is equipped with an adequate number of hand washing stations that are maintained, kept adequately supplied, and situated for convenient access by food handlers s. 7(3)c, 7(4).
- Ensure hand washing stations are kept adequately supplied with hot and cold running water
- Potentially hazardous food is held at 4°C (40°F) or less s. 27(1) a
- Ensure all potentially hazardous foods are stored at 4°C (40°F) or less
- Adjust or repair the refrigeration unit immediately. Do not store any potentially hazardous foods in the unit until it is able to maintain 4°C (40°F) or less
- Follow-up
1 infraction
- Premises is adequately protected against the entry and harbourage of pests s. 13
- Required
2 infractions
- Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair s. 7(1)c, d, g
- Cleaning required around, under, and behind kitchen equipment, counters, and baseboards
- Premises is adequately protected against the entry and harbourage of pests s. 13
- Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair s. 7(1)c, d, g
- Required
1 infraction
- Potentially hazardous foods being held hot are held at or above 60°C (140°F) after cooking/rapid reheating s. 27(1) b
- Required
1 infraction
- Food contact surfaces are cleaned and sanitized as often as necessary to maintain them in a sanitary condition s. 16, 21, 22.
- Required
1 infraction
- Observed certified Food Handler employee working at time of inspection s. 32
- Register staff for a certified food handler training program such that at least one certified staff member is present in the food premises during all hours of food service operation
- Observed certified Food Handler employee working at time of inspection s. 32
- Required
0 infractions
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