Moonshine Cafe
5213 50 Street Tofield AB T0B 4J0 · Food - General
Inspection summary
Moonshine Cafe has been inspected 10 times by Alberta Health Services (Environmental Public Health) since April 17, 2024. The most recent inspection, on October 9, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.
1 of 10 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 4 inspections with 6 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests and Food temperature control.
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.
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 8 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on October 2, 2026. For example:
Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
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 once on April 17, 2024. For example:
Are food temperatures during storage and processing being controlled to maximize food safety?
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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 9, 2026. For example:
Is the facility maintained in a clean and sanitary condition?
Permits, records and postingLower risk
Operating permits, required signage, written procedures and logs. These findings are administrative: the documentation was missing or out of date at the time of inspection.
Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 2, 2026. For example:
Does the facility have a valid permit and does the facility operate in compliance with the conditions of that permit, or is the facility awaiting approval prior to operation?
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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 16, 2025. For example:
Are properly operating hand washing sink(s) accessible to food handlers, located in suitable areas, and stocked with appropriate hand washing supplies?
About this data
These results come from Alberta Health Services (Environmental 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.
10 inspections
- Risk Management Inspection
1 infraction
- 23. Is the facility maintained in a clean and sanitary condition?
- Observed food stain/splatter on the walls/ceiling surfaces in the kitchen - requires cleaning and thereafter on a regular/routine basis.Was pointed out to the owner during the inspection for his clarification - for your follow-up.
- 23. Is the facility maintained in a clean and sanitary condition?
- Demand Inspection
4 infractions
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Observed mouse droppings behind both the chest freezer and one of the upright freezer units.Based on this observation, please complete the following:1) Reach out to a pest control operator (e.g. - Orkin) for monthly on-site checks, metal rodent traps, glueboards, and inquire about fly light control devices (for the summer and early fall season). For the latter, there is both a front garage door opening + outdoor patio area in the back where there are opportunities for flies to gain access into the kitchen and food areas.2) More diligent cleaning and de-cluttering in the dry storage room/area is required. In particular, more thorough cleaning is required particularly behind the chest freezers and upright freezers and removal of the two (2) non-working upright refrigeration units is required and disposed of at the local transfer station/landfill.
- 19. Does the facility have a valid permit and does the facility operate in compliance with the conditions of that permit, or is the facility awaiting approval prior to operation?
- Observed EXPIRED food handling permit (April 30, 2026) in the dining room area - ensure the 2026 - 2027 Food Handling Permit is printed and posted to replace the existing expired one.Moreover, as discussed, would encourage this permit + glass frame to be mounted on the wall in the dining room area so it is in full view of patrons.Finally, although not required, the food safe certificate should be the same as the food handling permit - would encourage you to post in full view of patrons.
- 21. Is the facility properly constructed and maintained in a state of good repair to allow for the safe and sanitary handling of food?
- BLACK COLORED PLASTIC SHELVING UNITS IN DRY STORAGE ROOM AND ALSO IN WALK-IN COOLER:1) As discussed, all above shelving in both areas are to be removed and replaced with metal type shelving units on casters (e.g. - lockable wheels) to allow for easier cleaning.2) Flooring finish in the dry storage room and walk-in cooler is wearing significantly and would interfere with proper cleaning - would recommend removal and replacing of these flooring finishes - can certainly discuss this matter on the next reinspection and have a mutual time frame to complete this task.
- 23. Is the facility maintained in a clean and sanitary condition?
- WALK-IN COOLER UNIT:More thorough cleaning particularly in the "hard to get" areas in the corners and underneath the shelving units are required. Observed a build-up of grime/debris particularly in the corners of the walk-in cooler and which should be cleaned regularly and more importantly documented (either on paper or electronically) to prove the cleaning task was completed and when/where.DRY STORAGE ROOM/AREA:See write-up under Pest Control - more thorough cleaning and de-cluttering is required ASAP.
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Demand Inspection
0 infractions
- Monitoring Inspection
1 infraction
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Discussed at length with the owner regarding the garage door/open patio feature in the front of the restaurant dining area which allows diners to eat in the front dining area with the garage door opened to allow fresh air.Owner will reach out to a pest control company/professional patio company to ensure control measures are put in place to minimize potential of fly/insect/rodent entry from the street/outside. If practical, a retractable mechanical screen door covering the entire length of the opening should be explored.Pest control company will assist with fly light control devices and metal rodent traps and/or bait stations.MARCH 19, 2026 UPDATE:Discussed above with the owner - plans are in place to install necessary hardware to hang fly screens if garage door window is open for the patrons. Carpenter has been hired and owner will purchase the appropriate fly screening to control/minimize the potential of flies/insects gaining entry.Finally, fly light control devices + metal rodent traps are also to be in place for pest control management in the premises.Owner is to reach out to our Department again once the above planned work is completed - tentatively sometime in April 2026.
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Monitoring Inspection
2 infractions
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Discussed at length with the owner regarding the garage door/open patio feature in the front of the restaurant dining area which allows diners to eat in the front dining area with the garage door opened to allow fresh air.Owner will reach out to a pest control company/professional patio company to ensure control measures are put in place to minimize potential of fly/insect/rodent entry from the street/outside. If practical, a retractable mechanical screen door covering the entire length of the opening should be explored.Pest control company will assist with fly light control devices and metal rodent traps and/or bait stations.JANUARY 28, 2025:Discussions held with the owner/operator and the plan of action is to purchase and install magnetic flyscreens which are also weighted on the bottom, Since the garage door/window opening is approximately 12' in width and flyscreens are approximately 4' in width, the owner will move forward in the future and purchase three (3) to be secured side by side (via magnets) to seal this opening (which is to provide fresh air from outside) and subsequently prevent the potential entry of insects and in particular flies and also rodents.Once purchased and installed, please reach out to our Department and notify us of this completed task so the measures in place can be viewed and assessed/approved.SEPTEMBER 3, 2025:Confirmed during today's on-site assessment that no control measures for pest and dust control have been implemented by the owner.Subsequently, front opening is to remain closed until proper measures and assurances have been demonstrated.Reopening will only be granted if measures are in place and permission must be granted by our Department prior to reopening.
- 19. Does the facility have a valid permit and does the facility operate in compliance with the conditions of that permit, or is the facility awaiting approval prior to operation?
- FOOD HANDLING PERMIT:Observed that the existing food handling permit expired on April 30, 2025.Once replaced with new 2025 - 2026 food handling permit, please take a photograph of new food permit and email back to our Department for our final review and approval.
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Risk Management Inspection
1 infraction
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Discussed at length with the owner regarding the garage door/open patio feature in the front of the restaurant dining area which allows diners to eat in the front dining area with the garage door opened to allow fresh air.Owner will reach out to a pest control company/professional patio company to ensure control measures are put in place to minimize potential of fly/insect/rodent entry from the street/outside. If practical, a retractable mechanical screen door covering the entire length of the opening should be explored.Pest control company will assist with fly light control devices and metal rodent traps and/or bait stations.JANUARY 28, 2025:Discussions held with the owner/operator and the plan of action is to purchase and install magnetic flyscreens which are also weighted on the bottom, Since the garage door/window opening is approximately 12' in width and flyscreens are approximately 4' in width, the owner will move forward in the future and purchase three (3) to be secured side by side (via magnets) to seal this opening (which is to provide fresh air from outside) and subsequently prevent the potential entry of insects and in particular flies and also rodents.Once purchased and installed, please reach out to our Department and notify us of this completed task so the measures in place can be viewed and assessed/approved.
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Risk Management Inspection
1 infraction
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Discussed at length with the owner regarding the garage door/open patio feature in the front of the restaurant dining area which allows diners to eat in the front dining area with the garage door opened to allow fresh air.Owner will reach out to a pest control company/professional patio company to ensure control measures are put in place to minimize potential of fly/insect/rodent entry from the street/outside. If practical, a retractable mechanical screen door covering the entire length of the opening should be explored.Pest control company will assist with fly light control devices and metal rodent traps and/or bait stations.Finally, the back screen door leading to the backyard patio area is torn at the top and bottom of the screen. Informed by the owner that this will be replaced by the previous owner.
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Monitoring Inspection
2 infractions
- 13. Are properly operating hand washing sink(s) accessible to food handlers, located in suitable areas, and stocked with appropriate hand washing supplies?
- Ensure adequate supply of liquid soap is provided at the hand washing sink in the kitchen for food handler hand washing. Observed at the time of inspection no liquid soap and only a roll of paper towels.Suggest the following:1) Hand pump dispenser/container beside the sink OR2) Mounted liquid soap dispenser on the wall behind the hand washing sink.Ensure this task is completed by Friday January 17, 2025.
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Discussed at length with the owner regarding the garage door/open patio feature in the front of the restaurant dining area which allows diners to eat in the front dining area with the garage door opened to allow fresh air.Owner will reach out to a pest control company/professional patio company to ensure control measures are put in place to minimize potential of fly/insect/rodent entry from the street/outside. If practical, a retractable mechanical screen door covering the entire length of the opening should be explored.Pest control company will assist with fly light control devices and metal rodent traps and/or bait stations.Finally, the back screen door leading to the backyard patio area is torn at the top and bottom of the screen. Informed by the owner that this will be replaced by the previous owner.
- 13. Are properly operating hand washing sink(s) accessible to food handlers, located in suitable areas, and stocked with appropriate hand washing supplies?
- Monitoring Inspection
1 infraction
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Discussed at length with the owner regarding the garage door/open patio feature in the front of the restaurant dining area which allows diners to eat in the front dining area with the garage door opened to allow fresh air.Owner will reach out to a pest control company/professional patio company to ensure control measures are put in place to minimize potential of fly/insect/rodent entry from the street/outside. If practical, a retractable mechanical screen door covering the entire length of the opening should be explored.Pest control company will assist with fly light control devices and metal rodent traps and/or bait stations.Finally, the back screen door leading to the backyard patio area is torn at the top and bottom of the screen. Informed by the owner that this will be replaced by the previous owner.
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Initial Inspection
3 infractions
- 08. Do food handlers ensure that food is protected from contamination (unless noted elsewhere)(Non-Critical)?
- As discussed, ensure the back storage room area is maintained in a clean, organized and clutter free condition at all times.Moreover, if more shelving units are purchased, please ensure to purchase shelves which are on lockable casters/wheels to easier facilitate cleaning.
- 10. Are food temperatures during storage and processing being controlled to maximize food safety?
- As discussed with new ownership, ensure an accurate thermometer is located in all refrigeration and freezer units (e.g. - walk-in cooler and upright freezer units (2) in back storage area and located in the warmest region (e.g. - near the door) to monitor proper temperatures. Finally, will also provide our AHS Temperature Log template for daily recordings of temperatures.
- 16. Is the facility free of unapproved animals, vermin and/or insects (unless noted elsewhere), and maintained to prevent the entry or harbourage of pests?
- Ensure a written monthly monitoring of pest control is carried out at this establishment.Our Department will provide the AHS pest control checklist to assist with the required above.
- 08. Do food handlers ensure that food is protected from contamination (unless noted elsewhere)(Non-Critical)?