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Ovaltine Cafe

251 E Hastings St, Vancouver BC V6A 1P2 · Food Service Establishment 1

Official record from Vancouver Coastal →

Inspection summary

Ovaltine Cafe has been inspected 33 times by Vancouver Coastal Health since September 17, 2015. The most recent inspection, on May 5, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

8 of 33 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 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 24 times across 20 separate inspections, most recently on April 8, 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 13 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on August 14, 2024. 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 7 separate inspections, most recently on August 13, 2025. For example: Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.

  • 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 6 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on May 5, 2026. For example: The premises is free of pests.

  • 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 April 8, 2026. For example: Each employee demonstrates good personal hygiene and washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.

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.

33 inspections

  1. Routine Follow-up

    2 infractions

    • Operator of a food service establishment has developed, maintained, and followed approved written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of insect activity.
  2. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  3. Routine

    7 infractions

    • A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
      • No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
    • 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.
      • Sanitizing solution concentration is too high.
      • Mechanical dishwasher 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.
      • Hand washing stations are not properly supplied and maintained.
    • Operator of a food service establishment has developed, maintained, and followed approved written procedures to ensure that a health hazard does not occur.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of insect activity.
    • Chemicals, cleansers and similar agents are kept separate from food.
      • Chemicals, cleansers and similar agents are not stored separately from food.
  4. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  5. Routine

    2 infractions

    • 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.
  6. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • 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.
  7. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • 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.
  8. Routine Follow-up

    2 infractions

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

    5 infractions

    • Operation and maintenance of premises is in accordance with approved floor plans and specifications.
      • Equipment or materials not required for the operation are stored on the premises.
    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is stored in a manner that promotes cross contamination.
    • 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.
      • Sanitizing solution is not present or at an improper concentration.
    • 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.
      • An accurate thermometer is not provided for temperature monitoring.
  10. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  11. Routine

    4 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is stored in a manner that promotes cross contamination.
    • 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.
    • 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.
  12. Request Follow-up

    0 infractions

  13. Request Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • 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.
  14. Request Follow-up

    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.
    • 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.
  15. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  16. Routine

    2 infractions

    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
      • Permit to Operate is not posted in a conspicuous location.
    • 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.
  17. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  18. Routine

    4 infractions

    • A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
      • No employee present holds a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate while the Owner/Operator is absent.
      • Owner/Operator does not hold a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate.
    • 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.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of insect activity.
  19. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • 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.
  20. Routine

    6 infractions

    • A Certified food safety training course has been taken by the operator and food handlers of the food service establishment.
      • Owner/Operator does not hold a valid FOODSAFE or equivalent certificate.
    • 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.
      • Food is not stored off of floor.
    • 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.
      • The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
      • Equipment, utensils and/or food contact surfaces are not in a condition that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
      • Equipment, utensils and/or food contact surfaces are not used in a manner that ensures safe and sanitary food handling.
    • Each employee washes their hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of food.
      • Hand washing station is obstructed or being used for other purposes.
    • The premises is free of pests.
      • Premises has signs of insect activity.
      • Premises is not protected from the entrance of pests.
      • Conditions on premises may lead to harbouring/breeding of pests.
  21. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  22. Routine

    2 infractions

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

    2 infractions

    • 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.
    • 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.
  24. Routine Follow-up

    0 infractions

  25. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • 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.
  26. Routine Follow-up

    1 infraction

    • 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.
  27. Routine

    4 infractions

    • 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 in a condition 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 does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove 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.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
  28. Routine

    3 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is not properly covered and protected from contamination.
      • Food is not stored off of floor.
    • 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.
    • 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.
  29. Routine

    4 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is stored in a manner that promotes cross contamination.
      • Food is not properly covered and protected from contamination.
    • Potentially hazardous food is at a refrigerated temperature that keeps it safe to eat.
    • 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.
      • Temperature records are not being used to monitor critical limits.
  30. Routine Follow-up

    2 infractions

    • 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 developed.
    • A food service establishment must have written procedures to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the establishment.
      • Sanitation plan is not developed.
  31. Routine

    7 infractions

    • The Permit to Operate a food service establishment is valid and is posted in a conspicuous location.
      • Permit to Operate is not posted in a conspicuous location.
    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is stored in a manner that promotes cross contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
      • Food is not properly covered and protected from contamination.
      • Food is in contact with non-corrosion resistant or toxic materials.
    • 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 does not provide sufficient washing and/or sanitizing action to remove 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.
      • Food safety plan is not developed.
      • 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.
      • Sanitation plan is not developed.
  32. Routine Follow-up

    2 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
    • The premises is free of pests.
  33. Routine

    12 infractions

    • Food is handled in a sanitary manner and is not subject to contamination.
      • Food is stored in a manner that promotes cross contamination.
      • Food is not protected from contamination during transportation, display, storage or preparation.
      • Food is not properly covered and protected from contamination.
    • Potentially hazardous food is cooled in a manner that makes it safe to eat.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not cooled using appropriate equipment and/or approved methods.
      • Potentially hazardous food is not cooled from 60°C to 21°C within two hours, and then from 21°C to 4°C within four hours.
    • Potentially hazardous food is thawed in a manner that makes it safe to eat.
    • 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.
    • 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.
      • The premises is not maintained in a sanitary condition.
    • 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.
    • Employee hygiene is maintained.
      • Employees are eating, drinking or using tobacco in food preparation, dishwashing and/or food storage areas.
      • Employees do not demonstrate good personal hygiene.
    • Each employee 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.
      • Food safety plan is not developed.
      • 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.
      • Sanitation plan is not developed.
      • Sanitizer levels are not being monitored and recorded.
    • The premises is free of pests.

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