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Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

777 Thurlow St, Vancouver BC V6E 3V5 · Food Service Establishment 1

Official record from Vancouver Coastal →

Inspection summary

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House has been inspected 38 times by Vancouver Coastal Health since July 15, 2015. The most recent inspection, on April 28, 2026, recorded 4 infractions.

10 of 38 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 9 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Protecting food from contamination and Food temperature control.

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.

  • 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 12 times across 10 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2026. For example: The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.

  • 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 11 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2026. For example: Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.

  • 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 10 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2026. For example: Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.

  • 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 6 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on October 30, 2025. For example: Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 28, 2026. For example: The premises is free of pests.

About this data

These results come from Vancouver Coastal 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.

38 inspections

  1. Routine

    4 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
    • The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
      • Equipment, utensils and/or food contact surfaces are not maintained/used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
  2. Routine

    5 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Premises is not in adequate repair or in sanitary condition.
    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a hot holding temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored or displayed at 60°C or above.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
  3. Routine

    0 infractions

  4. Routine

    1 infraction

    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
  5. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  6. Routine

    3 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is in contact with un-sanitized surfaces or utensils.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Mechanical dishwasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
      • Mechanical glasswasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
  7. Routine

    7 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Premises is not in adequate repair or in sanitary condition.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
    • The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
      • Equipment, utensils and/or food contact surfaces are not maintained/used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Mechanical dishwasher/glasswasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of rodent activity.
      • Premises has signs of insect activity.
  8. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  9. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
  10. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  11. Routine Follow-up

    2 infractions

    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
  12. Routine

    2 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are inadequate in number and location, preventing accessibility to all food handlers.
  13. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  14. Routine

    1 infraction

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
  15. Routine

    3 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Mechanical dishwasher/glasswasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
  16. Routine

    4 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Mechanical dishwasher/glasswasher does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove contamination.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
  17. Routine

    0 infractions

  18. Routine

    2 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
  19. Request Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • Where partitions are in use, they are positioned such that droplet transmission is blocked
  20. Request Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • Where partitions are in use, they are positioned such that droplet transmission is blocked
  21. Request Follow-up

    2 infractions

    • COVID-19 Safety Plan developed and in use
    • Where partitions are in use, they are positioned such that droplet transmission is blocked
  22. Request

    15 infractions

    • COVID-19 Safety Plan developed and in use
    • COVID-19 Safety Plan contains the maximum number of patron count
    • Maximum number of patrons that can be accommodated on the premises has been determined
    • Maximum number of patrons allows for 2m separation between patrons of different parties at all times
    • Maximum number of patrons and staff on premises is monitored at all times
    • Maximum of 6 patrons per table
    • No events over 50 people on premises
    • Licensed premises only provide liquor service between 9am and 10pm
    • Patrons in licensed premises are assigned to a table and shown their seats by a staff member
    • Patrons remain seated while at a licensed establishment, except to use the washroom or leave (Exception: licensed premises with manufacturing license)
    • Where partitions are in use, they are positioned such that droplet transmission is blocked
    • Operator assessed their premises and taken steps to prevent congregation of patrons near or outside their premises
    • Physical devices or markers are used to assist patrons in maintaining physical distance
    • Self-serve station surfaces and utensils are frequently cleaned and sanitized
    • Reservation contact information is kept for 30 days: First name, last name, and phone number or email of at least one member of every party
  23. Routine

    5 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
      • Equipment, utensils and/or food contact surfaces are not maintained/used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
    • 2m distance between backs of seats at different tables is maintained at all times
  24. Request Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • 2m separation maintained between patrons of different parties, except when partition in place
  25. Request

    9 infractions

    • Maximum number of patrons that can be accommodated on the premises has been determined
    • Maximum number of patrons that can be accommodated on the premises is appropriate for the space
    • Maximum number of patrons and staff on premises is monitored at all times
    • 2m separation maintained between patrons of different parties, except when partition in place
    • Maximum of 6 patrons per table
    • Physical devices or markers are used to assist patrons in maintaining physical distance
    • COVID-19 Safety Plan developed and in use
    • COVID-19 Safety Plan contains the maximum number of patrons that can be accommodated
    • Reservation contact information is kept for 30 days: First name, last name, and phone number or email of at least one member of every party
  26. Routine

    4 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • Potentially hazardous food is cooked/reheated in a manner that makes it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not cooked thoroughly and to appropriate internal temperature.
    • Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
  27. Routine

    2 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
  28. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  29. Routine

    6 infractions

    • Operation of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Premises is not designed and/or supplied with equipment that will ensure the safe and sanitary handling of food.
    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
    • Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
  30. Routine

    4 infractions

    • Operation of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Premises is not designed and/or supplied with equipment that will ensure the safe and sanitary handling of food.
      • Premises is not separate from incompatible areas.
    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not stored, displayed or transported at a temperature of 4°C or below.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
      • Sanitizing solution is not present or at insufficient concentration.
  31. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  32. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
  33. Routine

    1 infraction

    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
      • Food safety plan is not maintained to reflect the current menu.
  34. Routine

    1 infraction

    • The premises is free of pests.
  35. Routine

    0 infractions

  36. Routine

    0 infractions

  37. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
  38. Routine

    8 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
    • The premises and all equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces are maintained in good condition and used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
    • All equipment, food contact surfaces, utensils, dishes & glasses used on the premises are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes contamination.
    • Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Employees are not washing hands as often as is necessary to prevent contamination of food.
    • An operator of a food service establishment must develop, maintain, and follow written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur in the operation of the establishment.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
    • Chemicals, cleansers and similar agents are kept separate from food.

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