Patient Food Distribution (VG Site)
1278 SOUTH PARK, HALIFAX · Food Establishment
Inspection summary
Patient Food Distribution (VG Site) has been inspected 10 times by Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (Food Safety Program) since February 7, 2024. The most recent inspection, on July 16, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.
3 of 10 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: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Protecting food from contamination.
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 7 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on January 29, 2026. For example:
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.
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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 16, 2026. For example:
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.
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 11, 2025. For example:
27(f) A food establishment must develop and demonstrate policies and procedures for personnel that ensure that a person entering a food handling area or engaging in an operation in a food establishment who comes into contact with food meets all of the following: (f) the person refrains from any behaviour or practice that risks contaminating 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 July 16, 2026. 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.
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 on February 7, 2024. 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;
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.
10 inspections
- Inspection
2 infractions
- 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.
- Ensure pest control contractor is made aware of the new discoveries and an intervention plan is in place.
- 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.
- 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.
- Inspection
2 infractions
- 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.
- In accordance with Section 4.2.1(b) of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must identify all cleaning and sanitizing agents used in the Food Establishment and their concentrations.
- 37(1) If directed by an inspector, a food establishment must maintain records that demonstrate the quality assurance system used to ensure food safety in the processing or preparation of a food.
- In accordance with Section 3.1.4 of the Nova Scotia Food Services and Food Retail Code, you must maintain records that demonstrate your Quality Assurance (Management) System, including the following: - Temperature logs (ensure the entries are accurate).
- 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.
- Inspection
0 infractions
- Inspection
2 infractions
- 27(f) A food establishment must develop and demonstrate policies and procedures for personnel that ensure that a person entering a food handling area or engaging in an operation in a food establishment who comes into contact with food meets all of the following:
(f) the person refrains from any behaviour or practice that risks contaminating food.
- Do not consume food while working on the line.
- 37(1) If directed by an inspector, a food establishment must maintain records that demonstrate the quality assurance system used to ensure food safety in the processing or preparation of a food.
- In accordance with Section 3.1.4 of the Nova Scotia Food Services and Food Retail Code, you must maintain records that demonstrate your Quality Assurance (Management) System, including the following: - Cleaning log-
- 27(f) A food establishment must develop and demonstrate policies and procedures for personnel that ensure that a person entering a food handling area or engaging in an operation in a food establishment who comes into contact with food meets all of the following:
(f) the person refrains from any behaviour or practice that risks contaminating food.
- Inspection
1 infraction
- 37(1) If directed by an inspector, a food establishment must maintain records that demonstrate the quality assurance system used to ensure food safety in the processing or preparation of a food.
- In accordance with Section 3.1.4 of the Nova Scotia Food Services and Food Retail Code, you must maintain records that demonstrate your Quality Assurance (Management) System, including the following: - Cleaning log - Ensure temperature log is maintained accurately
- 37(1) If directed by an inspector, a food establishment must maintain records that demonstrate the quality assurance system used to ensure food safety in the processing or preparation of a food.
- Inspection
4 infractions
- 19(3) A food establishment must have lighting, ventilation, heating, refrigeration and plumbing that is appropriate to the specific activities of the food establishment and that is considered acceptable by the Minister.
- In accordance with Section 2.7 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must supply the food premise with artificial light to ensure the safe and sanitary production of food.
- 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;
- Clean the freezer floor.
- 29(2)(b) A maintenance, cleaning and sanitation program must include procedures to ensure that all of the following are done:
(b) insects, rodents and other pests are controlled;
- Clean and Sanitize the areas contaminated by pest droppings.
- 37(1) If directed by an inspector, a food establishment must maintain records that demonstrate the quality assurance system used to ensure food safety in the processing or preparation of a food.
- In accordance with Section 3.1.4 of the Nova Scotia Food Services and Food Retail Code, you must maintain records that demonstrate your Quality Assurance (Management) System, including the following: - Cleaning log - Ensure temperature log is maintained accurately
- 19(3) A food establishment must have lighting, ventilation, heating, refrigeration and plumbing that is appropriate to the specific activities of the food establishment and that is considered acceptable by the Minister.
- Inspection
0 infractions
- Inspection
4 infractions
- 19(1)(b) A food establishment must be located, designed, constructed and maintained to ensure all of the following:
(b) that operations are carried out in an area of the food establishment that is sanitized and appropriate to the operation;
- In accordance with Section 2.4.2 of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must ensure all floors are kept clean and in good repair. Clean and sanitize the floor underneath the dishwasher
- 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.
- In accordance with Section 4.2.1(b) of the NS Food Retail and Food Services Code, you must identify all cleaning and sanitizing agents used in the Food Establishment and their concentrations. Use food contact surface sanitizers in approved concentration for food contact surfaces.
- 37(1) If directed by an inspector, a food establishment must maintain records that demonstrate the quality assurance system used to ensure food safety in the processing or preparation of a food.
- In accordance with Section 3.1.4 of the Nova Scotia Food Services and Food Retail Code, you must maintain records that demonstrate your Quality Assurance (Management) System, including the following: - Cleaning Schedule/Logs
- 9(a) An operator must renew a permit, other than a temporary permit, on or before the expiry date by submitting a completed renewal application to the Minister on a form approved by the Administrator together with all of the following:
(a) the applicable fee prescribed in Section 5;
- Renew the food establishment permit.
- 19(1)(b) A food establishment must be located, designed, constructed and maintained to ensure all of the following:
(b) that operations are carried out in an area of the food establishment that is sanitized and appropriate to the operation;
- Inspection
0 infractions
- Inspection
12 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;
- Paper towel dispenser at the hand wash sink in the coffee/breakfast prep area observed empty. Paper towel is required for proper hand washing practices and must be stored in dispenser to protect from contamination. Paper towel dispenser was restocked at time of inspection.
- 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 a paper towel dispenser at the hand wash sink next to the dish washer/Rational. Paper towel dispensers protect paper towel from contamination.
- 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;
- Food service utensils observed stored in containers of water. Store utensils in a sanitary manner in a clean container and clean and sanitize in-use utensils every 2 hours.
- 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.
- Plastic bags observed used as handles on the Nestle Drumsticks freezer. The plastic handles are not easily maintained and cleanable. Replace handles with a material that can be maintained and cleaned.
- 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;
- Clean dishes were observed being stacked/stored while still wet. Dishes must be air dried or dried with single-use paper towels before being stacked/stored.
- 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;
- Dish washer observed improperly manually dish washing and sanitizing dishes by washing, sanitizing, and then rinsing. Dishes must be washed, rinsed, sanitized, and then air dried.
- 29(2)(b) A maintenance, cleaning and sanitation program must include procedures to ensure that all of the following are done:
(b) insects, rodents and other pests are controlled;
- Rodent droppings observed on the floor near the Diversy chemical dispenser, on the floor under the condiments storage shelf, at the floor/wall junction near the walk-in cooler, on the floor by the black crates at the two-compartment sink, at the floor/wall junction where the Dinex carts are stored, and in the main storage area. Clean and disinfect areas affected by rodent droppings.
- 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.
- Carrots, beans, and mixed vegetables observed stored in the hot holding unit measured internal temperatures of 5.3, 0.3, and -0.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. Potentially hazardous food must first be reheated to an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius prior to stocking in the hot holding unit to be held at 60 degrees Celsius or above. Frozen vegetables (e.g. carrots, beans, and mixed vegetables) may also be thawed in the refrigerator and stored cold in the cold top reach-in cooler prior to reheating for service. Carrots, beans, and mixed vegetables moved to the cold top reach-in cooler at time of inspection.
- 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.
- Frozen package (1) of mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes (4) observed thawing at room temperature. Potentially hazardous food must be properly thawed. Mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes moved to the reach-in cooler at time of inspection.
- 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.
- Several refrigerator temperatures logs missing. Ensure all refrigeration, freezer, and hot holding temperatures are measured and recorded daily. Temperature logs must be maintained onsite for review by the Public Health Officer.
- 46 An operator must not sell, offer for sale, supply, prepare, process, package, display, serve, dispense or store food that is contaminated or adulterated.
- Bags of panko (2) and a bag of bran observed with rodent chew holes in the bags. Bags of panko and bag of bran were discarded at time of inspection.
- 49(2)(a) Before being placed in the dry storage room or designated area, opened packages of food ingredients and food packaging materials must be
(a) transferred to clean, suitably covered containers or be sealed and securely closed; and
- Opened bags of panko and bran observed stored in the main storage room. Opened packages of food ingredients must be transferred to clean, suitably covered containers to protect from rodents.
- 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;