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Murdock's BBQ

37 THOMAS, LAKE ECHO · Food Establishment

Official record from Nova Scotia →

Inspection summary

Murdock's BBQ has been inspected 7 times by Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (Food Safety Program) since July 17, 2024. The most recent inspection, on September 24, 2026, found no infractions.

3 of 7 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 4 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Protecting food from contamination, Cleaning and sanitizing 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.

  • 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 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 6, 2026. For example: 35(1) If directed by an inspector, a food establishment must have a quality assurance system in place that identifies, implements, monitors and verifies critical factors in the processing and preparation of food and that effectively prevents contamination or adulteration of food and ensures food safety.

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 16, 2025. For example: 23(1)(b) All equipment and utensils used to process, prepare, store, serve, sell or display food must be designed, constructed, installed and maintained to (b) allow adequate cleaning, sanitizing and maintenance.

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 6, 2026. For example: 23(2)(b) Equipment used to cook, heat-treat, cool, store, display or freeze food must be designed to (b) control temperature, humidity, air flow and any other condition that is likely to have a detrimental effect on food safety.

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 6, 2026. For example: 19(2)(b) A food establishment must provide all of the following in accordance with applicable legislation or as considered acceptable by the Administrator: (b) adequately designed and appropriately located hand-washing facilities;

  • 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 once on June 13, 2025. For example: 19(1)(e) A food establishment must be located, designed, constructed and maintained to ensure all of the following: (e) that there is effective protection to prevent the access and sheltering of insects, rodents and other pests.

About this data

These results come from Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (Food Safety Program), 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.

7 inspections

  1. Inspection

    0 infractions

  2. Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 19(2)(b) A food establishment must provide all of the following in accordance with applicable legislation or as considered acceptable by the Administrator: (b) adequately designed and appropriately located hand-washing facilities;
      • Install faucet on the hand wash sink.
    • 23(2)(b) Equipment used to cook, heat-treat, cool, store, display or freeze food must be designed to (b) control temperature, humidity, air flow and any other condition that is likely to have a detrimental effect on food safety.
      • Monitor the ambient air temperature of the cold-top prep cooler to ensure the temperature returns to 4 degrees Celsius or below within the next hour. If the temperature does not return to 4 degrees Celsius or below then discontinue use for storage of potentially hazardous food and contact a refrigeration technician to service the unit. Ensure the cold top is kept closed as much as possible.
    • 35(1) If directed by an inspector, a food establishment must have a quality assurance system in place that identifies, implements, monitors and verifies critical factors in the processing and preparation of food and that effectively prevents contamination or adulteration of food and ensures food safety.
      • Maintain refrigeration temperature logs at least twice daily. Logs must be available onsite for review by the Public Health Inspector.
    • 29(1) An operator of a food establishment must have a maintenance, cleaning and sanitation program in place to control the risk of contamination of food, equipment, utensils and other facilities in the food establishment.
      • Obtain plugs/stoppers for the two-compartment sink.
  3. Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 23(1)(b) All equipment and utensils used to process, prepare, store, serve, sell or display food must be designed, constructed, installed and maintained to (b) allow adequate cleaning, sanitizing and maintenance.
      • Fix the leak (greasy discharge) in the rear end of truck, behind rear right tire and landing on the ground. In accordance with Section 4.1 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure all equipment is maintained and functional for its intended use.
  5. Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 19(2)(a) A food establishment must provide all of the following in accordance with applicable legislation or as considered acceptable by the Administrator:     (a) a supply of potable hot and cold water at adequate pressure and volume with the appropriate facilities to store and distribute the water and to control the water temperature;
      • You must provide the plumbing facilities within the mobile unit with hot water. Hot water back on by end of inspection. In accordance with Section 2.10(b) of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must provide hot and cold water, under adequate pressure, and in sufficient quantities to meet the peak demands throughout the food premise.
    • 23(1)(a) All equipment and utensils used to process, prepare, store, serve, sell or display food must be designed, constructed, installed and maintained to (a) protect food from contamination;
      • Ensure to store single service utensils off the floor and in sanitary manner. In accordance with Section 2.9 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must: store all food and food items a minimum of 15 cm (6 in.) off the floor on racks, shelves or pallets; store all food and food items a minimum of 5 cm (2 in.) from the walls.
    • 23(1)(b) All equipment and utensils used to process, prepare, store, serve, sell or display food must be designed, constructed, installed and maintained to (b) allow adequate cleaning, sanitizing and maintenance.
      • Fix the leak (greasy discharge) in the rear end of truck, behind rear right tire and landing on the ground. In accordance with Section 4.1 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure all equipment is maintained and functional for its intended use.
    • 29(1) An operator of a food establishment must have a maintenance, cleaning and sanitation program in place to control the risk of contamination of food, equipment, utensils and other facilities in the food establishment.
      • Develop a detailed written cleaning schedule for the facilities and equipment. Inadequate cleaning program at this facility. In accordance with Section 4.2.1 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must demonstrate that a written sanitation program is in place, which: a. Outlines the parameters to be controlled in the food premises to ensure safety of the food product. b. Includes sanitation procedures for equipment, utensils or refrigeration units that impact on food safety, which must specify: i. areas, items of equipment, and utensils to be cleaned; ii. the designated food handler(s) responsible for the cleaning and sanitizing; iii. the chemicals and/or cleaning products (including concentrations) and process to be used; iv. the procedures used; v. the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing; and vi. inspection and monitoring records. c. Documents that the sanitation program is monitored and its effectiveness verified. d. Reflects the level of risk of the food products as determined by the management plan required in Section 3.0 of this Code.
    • 29(2)(a) A maintenance, cleaning and sanitation program must include procedures to ensure that all of the following are done: (a) the food establishment and equipment are maintained, cleaned and sanitized;
      • Deep and thorough cleaning of the mobile unit is required. Grease and debris build-up observed on the surfaces of the waste water tank and in storage space waste water tank is contained, floors, equipment, surfaces, etc. In accordance with Section 4.2.2 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure non-food contact surfaces of equipment must be cleaned at a frequency that will prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris. In accordance with Section 4.2.3 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must: a. ensure food contact surfaces of cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized at a frequency that prevents the accumulation of grease deposits and other residues.
    • 33(1) An operator must ensure that the temperature of food is controlled so that the food does not deteriorate or become inedible or unsafe.
      • Potentially hazardous foods must be thaw under refrigeration, under cold running water or in container with cold water changed every 30 mins, in the microwave, or during the cooking process. Do not thaw meat at room temperature. In accordance with Section 3.3.1 of the Nova Scotia Food Services and Food Retail Code, you must store frozen foods at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius or less. In accordance with Section 3.3.2 of the Nova Scotia Food Services and Food Retail Code, you must thaw foods appropriately.
    • 19(1)(e) A food establishment must be located, designed, constructed and maintained to ensure all of the following: (e) that there is effective protection to prevent the access and sheltering of insects, rodents and other pests.
      • Install window and door screens to prevent pest access and harbourage. In accordance with Section 2.17 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure exterior openings are protected against the entry of pests.
  6. Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 19(2)(b) A food establishment must provide all of the following in accordance with applicable legislation or as considered acceptable by the Administrator: (b) adequately designed and appropriately located hand-washing facilities;
      • Soiled dishes observed in the basin of the hand wash sink. Hand wash sinks must not be used for any other purpose other than hand washing. Soiled dishes removed from the hand wash sink at time of inspection.
    • 29(3) A food establishment must provide facilities and equipment to implement the maintenance, cleaning and sanitation program and must identify in their program the cleaning and sanitizing agents used in the food establishment, including their concentration and uses.
      • No approved food grade sanitizer available for sanitizing dishes. Obtain an approved food grade sanitizer for sanitizing dishes after washing and rinsing (e.g. mix 1/2 teaspoon of unscented household bleach per 1 liter of water).

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