Mel's Spicy Thyme

Inspection summary

Mel's Spicy Thyme has been inspected 5 times by Durham Region Health Department since January 15, 2025. The most recent inspection, on August 19, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

2 of 5 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Cleaning and sanitizing and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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 on August 7, 2025. For example: Thermometers used to verify food preparation and storage temperatures

• 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 August 19, 2026. For example: Food contact surfaces washed / rinsed / sanitized after each use and following any operations when contamination may have occurred

• 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 once on January 20, 2026. For example: Hand washing basin with supplies of hot and cold water, soap in a dispenser and single-use towels

About this data

These results come from Durham Region Health Department, 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 Durham Region Health Department disclosure site
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