Hot Tamales

Inspection summary

Hot Tamales has been inspected 7 times by Niagara Region Public Health since June 27, 2025. The most recent inspection, on August 28, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

None of the 7 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 4 inspections with 8 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Chemicals and toxic substances and Cleaning and sanitizing.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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.

• Chemicals and toxic substancesHigher risk

  Cleaning products, sanitizers and pesticides must be labelled and stored away from food and food-contact surfaces. Inspectors flag chemicals that could end up in food, as well as pest treatments applied without proper supervision.

  Recorded once on April 21, 2026. For example: Proper sanitizer test kit is readily available for verifying concentrations of chemical sanitizers.

• 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 October 11, 2025. For example: Mechanical dishwashing is properly constructed, designed 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on December 18, 2025. For example: Floors, walls and ceiling are well maintained and in good repair.

• 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 28, 2026. For example: Surfaces which come in contact with food are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

• 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 8, 2026. For example: Certified food handler is onsite.

About this data

These results come from Niagara Region 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.

• View the official Niagara Region Public Health disclosure site
• See all inspected facilities in Niagara Region
• How to read an inspection report