Taverna Greka

326 Columbia St, New Westminster · Restaurant

19 inspections

Routine InspectionDec 10, 2025
0 infractions
Routine InspectionAug 7, 2025
1 infraction
- 204 - Food not cooked or reheated in a manner that makes it safe to eat [s. 14(1)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): 2 square inserts of roasted lamb found in the hot holder right after it had come out of reheating in the oven. Internal temperature measured 34C and 19C.
  - Corrective Action(s): Reheated. Ensure that thick foods are broken up or mixed to allow for thorough reheating. Ensure that food is reheated to 74C internal
  - Violation Score: 5
Routine InspectionMar 6, 2025
1 infraction
- 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
  - Observation: Minor rodent droppings found in storage room corners and in the back dining room behind the "kitchen" door
  - Corrective Action(s): Clean the above noted areas and sanitize using a 100 ppm chlorine bleach solution. Audit these areas on a more frequent basis.
  - Violation Score: 3
Routine InspectionSep 4, 2024
0 infractions
Routine InspectionMar 20, 2024
1 infraction
- 209 - Food not protected from contamination [s. 12(a)]
  - Observation: Staff cellphone noted to be stored on top of customer plates. This is not sanitary practice
  - Corrective Action(s): Do not keep personal items on food contact surfaces
  - Violation Score: 3
Routine InspectionSep 20, 2023
2 infractions
- 303 - Equipment/facilities/hot & cold water for sanitary maintenance not adequate [s. 17(3); s. 4(1)(f)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): hot water was not available at the time of inspection.
  - Corrective Action(s): technician was on site during inspection, hot water restored by the end of inspection
  - Violation Score: 5
- 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
  - Observation: rodent droppings noted in the following areas;
  - -under the convection oven and hot holder
  - -in the storage room floor/wall joints
  - -in the shelf with kitchen inserts (under cooling station)
  - -in the server station cutlery cabinet
  - Corrective Action(s): Reminder that the back door must be kept closed to prevent rodent entry.
  - Repair rodent entry and harborage areas noted in violation #308
  - Violation Score: 3
  - 305 - Conditions observed that may allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests [s. 26(b),(c)]
  - Observation: Shredded insulation found under the low temperature dishwasher
  - Corrective Action(s): Seal the hole under the dishwasher. Ensure that this area is checked on a more frequent basis for rodent activity.
  - Violation Score: 3
  - 308 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces are not in good working order [s. 16(b)]
  - Observation: 2 issues:
  - -prep cooler cutting board's joint with counter top found to be uneven, peeling, and trapping food debris
  - -baseboards missing in storage room, holes and rodent runs found along wall/floor joint
  - Corrective Action(s): Repair the above noted areas. due: 2 weeks
  - Violation Score: 3
Routine InspectionMar 8, 2023
1 infraction
- 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
  - Observation: Rodent droppings noted in the following areas:
  - -in the server station cutlery cabinet
  - -under the hot holder and convection oven
  - -in the back of house office
  - -in the shelf with kitchen inserts (under cooling station)
  - Corrective Action(s): clean the above noted areas and ensure that they are attended to on a more frequent basis.
  - Pest control serviced the facility this week, reviewed report with operator
  - Violation Score: 3
Follow-Up InspectionDec 16, 2022
0 infractions
Routine InspectionDec 14, 2022
2 infractions
- 205 - Cold potentially hazardous food stored/displayed above 4 °C. [s. 14(2)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Prep cooler ambient temperature measured 20-23C. precooked ribs, various sauces, lamb racks, all discarded as they measured between 20-23C internal
  - Corrective Action(s): do not use the prep cooler until it has been repaired and is capable of holding contents at or below 4C
  - Operator has called for technician to repair the unit.
  - Unit must be repaired within 24 hours. Failure to repair the unit will result in the issuance of a closure order
  - Violation Score: 15
- 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
  - Observation: Rodent droppings observed in the following areas;
  - kitchen:
  - -behind the kitchen/FOH door
  - -under the hot holding table
  - -under the large single oven
  - -under the dishwasher
  - -in the dry storage room (on and under shelves)
  - -along the floor/wall joints in the staff uniform area
  - dining area
  - -in the cable storage area at the back dining area POS station
  - -around corners and along walls in the server station in the terraced dining area
  - -behind the CO2 canister in the server station
  - -around the salt and pepper shakers in the server station
  - This is not an exhaustive list
  - Corrective Action(s): remove the droppings and clean and sanitize the area immediately.
  - Conduct a deep clean of the facility and follow recommendations of the pest control service company. Ensure that the pest control company is conducting a thorough inspection of the facility and providing feedback/recommendations
  - Violation Score: 9
  - 305 - Conditions observed that may allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests [s. 26(b),(c)]
  - Observation: Shredded insulation found underneath dishwasher unit.
  - Hole found in floor/steps joint of the terrace dining area
  - Corrective Action(s): remove the shredded insulation, clean and sanitize the area, and fill any holes in the walls where the insulation was chewed up.
  - Fill the hole in the terraced dining area.
  - Violation Score: 3
  - 308 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces are not in good working order [s. 16(b)]
  - Observation: Prep cooler unable to maintain contents <4C
  - Corrective Action(s): repair the unit
  - Violation Score: 9
Follow-Up InspectionJun 17, 2022
0 infractions
Routine InspectionJun 16, 2022
2 infractions
- 205 - Cold potentially hazardous food stored/displayed above 4 °C. [s. 14(2)]
  - Observation: Walk-in cooler unit measured 9C ambient temperature for >30 minutes during the inspection
  - Corrective Action(s): Operator has called a technician. Ensure that the unit is serviced ASAP and is capable of maintaining contents <4C at all times.
  - Recommend operator develop a record keeping document for daily dishwasher sanitizer concentration and cooler unit temperature checks
  - Failure to repair the walk-in cooler by June 17 15:00, will result in a closure order
  - Violation Score: 15
  - 303 - Equipment/facilities/hot & cold water for sanitary maintenance not adequate [s. 17(3); s. 4(1)(f)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Ice machine ice well found to have mildew growth. do not use this ice for human consumption.
  - Corrective Action(s): Operator to obtain ice from sister restaurant (georgi's). Repair or replace the ice machine.
  - Violation Score: 5
- 306 - Food premises not maintained in a sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
  - Observation: Wire shelving in the walk-in cooler has build up of grease and food debris. Walk-in cooler fan covers also found to have mold growth
  - Corrective Action(s): Clean the walk-in cooler fan covers
  - Remove the racks and powerwash them. due 1 month
  - Violation Score: 3
  - 308 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces are not in good working order [s. 16(b)]
  - Observation: Walk-in cooler unit unable to maintain contents <4C
  - Corrective Action(s): repair the cooler unit ASAP.
  - Violation Score: 9
  - 311 - Premises not maintained as per approved plans [s. 6(1)(b)]
  - Observation: Lights above the mechanical dishwasher are not operational
  - Corrective Action(s): operator to replace all lights in the kitchen, order has been placed
  - Violation Score: 3
Routine InspectionSep 8, 2021
2 infractions
- 303 - Equipment/facilities/hot & cold water for sanitary maintenance not adequate [s. 17(3); s. 4(1)(f)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): 2 issues;
  - -low temperature dishwasher measured 0 ppm chlorine at the dish surface after several cycles
  - -bar glasswasher measured 0 ppm chlorine at the glass surface after several cycles
  - Corrective Action(s): technician called to service the machines. Operator must obtain test strips for chlorine and test the glasswasher daily to ensure that dishware/glassware is sanitized properly.
  - Both machines were repaired prior to the end of the inspection, measured ~100 ppm chlorine at the dish surface.
  - Violation Score: 5
- 308 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces are not in good working order [s. 16(b)]
  - Observation: Mechanical dishwasher and glasswasher was not sanitizing dishware.
  - Kitchen ceiling light and walk-in freezer light was burnt out.
  - Corrective Action(s): Glasswasher and dishwasher repaired.
  - Change the lights to ensure that cleaning is conveniently and easily conducted.
  - Violation Score: 9
Routine InspectionJul 24, 2020
2 infractions
- 301 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Soda pop wand in the bar found to have some mold build up in the inside
  - Corrective Action(s): clean the wand on a more frequent basis
  - Violation Score: 5
- 209 - Food not protected from contamination [s. 12(a)]
  - Observation: 1 container of tzatziki uncovered in the prep cooler.
  - Corrective Action(s): operator wrapped container. ensure that all foods are protected from contamination via lids and wraps
  - Violation Score: 3
  - 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
  - Observation: old rodent droppings observed in the back storage room and underneath the bar (pop kegs)
  - Corrective Action(s): remove the droppings and clean and sanitize area thoroughly
  - Violation Score: 3
Routine InspectionJan 8, 2020
2 infractions
- 302 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not properly washed and sanitized [s. 17(2)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): REPEAT OBSERVATION: Glasswasher in the front bar unable to sanitize glassware (measured 0 ppm iodine at the glass surface). Machine was run for several minutes and sanitizer intake line at the iodine bottle was rinsed but no change to iodine concentration at the glass surface was detected.
  - Corrective Action(s): Do not use the glasswasher. Run all glassware through the glasswasher in the back area.
  - Repair the glasswasher and ensure that the sanitizer concentration is tested on a more frequent basis.
  - Violation Score: 5
- 308 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces are not in good working order [s. 16(b)]
  - Observation: REPEAT OBSERVATION: Glasswasher in the front bar unable to sanitize glassware (measured 0 ppm iodine at the glass surface). Machine was run for several minutes and sanitizer intake line at the iodine bottle was rinsed but no change to iodine concentration at the glass surface was detected.
  - Corrective Action(s): Do not use the glasswasher. Run all glassware through the glasswasher in the back area.
  - Repair the glasswasher and ensure that the sanitizer concentration is tested on a more frequent basis.
  - Violation Score: 3
  - 502 - In operator’s absence, no staff on duty has FOODSAFE Level 1 or equivalent [s. 10(2)]
  - Observation: REPEAT OBSERVATION: 2 staff members in the kitchen preparing food at the time of inspection. both of them did not have a valid FOODSAFE level 1 certificate.
  - Corrective Action(s): Ensure that minimum 1 staff member in the kitchen has a valid FOODSAFE level 1 certificate. certificate must be available for inspection
  - Violation Score: 1
Follow-Up InspectionJun 12, 2019
1 infraction
- 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
  - Observation: dead mouse found in white tin cat trap by kitchen door. Facility had been serviced by professional pest control service this morning.
  - Mice droppings still present behind washing machine (right side) in laundry room
  - Corrective Action(s): Directed operator to follow up with pest control company to ensure that all traps are being checked and reset.
  - Continue cleaning behind equipment on a regular basis and to check traps on a frequent basis
  - Violation Score: 3
Routine InspectionJun 5, 2019
2 infractions
- 206 - Hot potentially hazardous food stored/displayed below 60 °C. [s. 14(2)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): REPEAT OBSERVATION: 2 hot potentially hazardous foods left out at room temperature;
  - -1 tray of roast lamb (measured 39C internal)
  - -1 tub of Greek rice (measured 38C internal)
  - Operator put both products into the cooler unit at the beginning of the inspection
  - Corrective Action(s): Obtain hot holding equipment for holding hot potentially hazardous foods >60 degrees C.
  - Roast lamb, Greek rice, and roasted potatoes are some examples of hot potentially hazardous foods on site that, if not being held cold, must be kept >60C at all times.
  - Violation Score: 15
  - 301 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Pop dispenser wand found to have mildew build up on nozzle under removable cap
  - Corrective Action(s): staff cleaned and sanitized the pop dispenser at the time of inspection. Ensure that this is done on a more frequent basis.
  - Violation Score: 5
  - 302 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not properly washed and sanitized [s. 17(2)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Glasswasher in the front of house was not sanitizing glassware put through the machine (measured 0 ppm iodine at the glass surface)
  - Corrective Action(s): Re-wash all glassware through the glasswasher in the back area bar.
  - Routinely test the glasswasher sanitizer concentration to ensure that it is sanitizing glassware as required at 12-25 ppm iodine
  - Violation Score: 15
- 304 - Premises not free of pests [s. 26(a)]
  - Observation: 1 dead mouse found in trap by screen door
  - rodent droppings observed in the following areas;
  - -around the corners of the back bar area
  - -behind the soda barrels of the back bar area
  - -around the wood slats near the back bar area
  - -around the laundry machines
  - -in the dry storage room
  - Corrective Action(s): Remove the dead mouse, clean the droppings and sanitize areas.
  - contact your pest control technician and follow all of their recommendations.
  - Violation Score: 9
  - 305 - Conditions observed that may allow entrance/harbouring/breeding of pests [s. 26(b),(c)]
  - Observation: Shredded insulation and dirt found on premises (insulation behind grill and dirt behind bag of soil in dry storage).
  - Kitchen area outdoor screen door does not close fully.
  - Corrective Action(s): Remove the insulation and dirt and clean areas.
  - Repair the screen door so it closes fully and tightly
  - due: 4 days
  - Violation Score: 3
  - 306 - Food premises not maintained in a sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
  - Observation: Dry storage area and shelves under the meat grinder require cleaning
  - Corrective Action(s): Pull equipment and items away from the wall and clean areas thoroughly. Ensure that this is done on a more frequent basis.
  - Violation Score: 3
  - 308 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces are not in good working order [s. 16(b)]
  - Observation: Glasswasher in the front bar unable to sanitize glassware (measured 0 ppm iodine at the glass surface)
  - Corrective Action(s): Do not use the glasswasher.
  - Run all glassware through the glasswasher in the back bar area.
  - Repair the glasswasher and ensure that the sanitizer concentration is tested on a more frequent basis.
  - Violation Score: 3
  - 502 - In operator’s absence, no staff on duty has FOODSAFE Level 1 or equivalent [s. 10(2)]
  - Observation: REPEAT OBSERVATION: staff members in the kitchen did not have valid FOODSAFE level 1 certification
  - Corrective Action(s): Ensure that minimum 1 staff member in the kitchen has a valid FOODSAFE level 1 certificate on site for inspection
  - Violation Score: 1
Routine InspectionJan 29, 2019
2 infractions
- 206 - Hot potentially hazardous food stored/displayed below 60 °C. [s. 14(2)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): REPEAT OBSERVATION: Tray of roasted potatoes (internal temperature 54C) and medium size pan of roast lamb (40C) internal, left out at room temperature. Operator indicated that the products were about to be heated for dinner service and had been put on the stove (turned off) ~2 hours prior
  - Corrective Action(s): Directed operator to reheat products to >74C
  - Do not store hot potentially hazardous foods less than 60 degrees C. Consider using one of the lower ovens or the flat top grill to keep back up roasted potatoes or roast lamb hot and >60 degrees C
  - Violation Score: 5
  - 301 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): REPEAT OBSERVATION: potato press found to have food debris in the blade and machine
  - Corrective Action(s): Operator disassembled the machine and cleaned/sanitized the unit.
  - Ensure that the machine is cleaned immediately after use
  - Violation Score: 5
- 209 - Food not protected from contamination [s. 12(a)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Sliced tomatoes and lettuce for service stored next to raw meats in the prep line coolers
  - Corrective Action(s): Ensure that ready to eat vegetables and foods are stored above or away from raw meats
  - Violation Score: 3
  - 502 - In operator’s absence, no staff on duty has FOODSAFE Level 1 or equivalent [s. 10(2)]
  - Observation: 2 staff members in the kitchen during inspection. both had expired FOODSAFE certification
  - Corrective Action(s): Discussed FOODSAFE level 1 expiry with staff. ensure that minimum 1 staff member in the kitchen has a valid FOODSAFE level 1 certification on site for inspection
  - Violation Score: 1
Follow-Up InspectionAug 21, 2018
2 infractions
- 301 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): REPEAT OBSERVATION: potato press found to be soiled with food debris.
  - Corrective Action(s): Ensure that the potato press is disassembled, cleaned and sanitized immediately after use
  - Violation Score: 5
  - 303 - Equipment/facilities/hot & cold water for sanitary maintenance not adequate [s. 17(3); s. 4(1)(f)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): REPEAT OBSERVATION: low temperature dishwasher measured 0 ppm chlorine at the time of inspection.
  - Corrective Action(s): low temperature dishwasher was primed for sanitizer, after approximately 2 minutes of priming, sanitizer was present at 100 ppm chlorine at the dish surface after cycles. All dishware washed this morning to be rewashed.
  - Dishwasher test strips were not present during the time of inspection
  - ensure that mechanical dishwashers throughout the premises are monitored using test strips for sanitizer concentration.
  - Violation Score: 5
- 310 - Single use containers & utensils are used more than once [s. 20]
  - Observation: OUTSTANDING: numerous containers of food in the kitchen are stored in repeatedly cleaned and reused single use food packages (feta cheese containers, ice cream containers, various food pails, etc). One cheese container was found to be faded and shredding from reuse
  - Corrective Action(s): Remove all single use food packaging being reused.
  - Obtain food grade reusable containers for all food products
  - Violation Score: 3
Routine InspectionAug 16, 2018
2 infractions
- 205 - Cold potentially hazardous food stored/displayed above 4 °C. [s. 14(2)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Creamers and whipcream found by kegs in cooler measured 8 degrees C
  - Corrective Action(s): moved to working area of same cooler (measuring 1 degree C)
  - Ensure that all potentially hazardous foods are stored <4 degrees C at all times
  - Violation Score: 5
  - 206 - Hot potentially hazardous food stored/displayed below 60 °C. [s. 14(2)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): 2 products held below 60 degrees C
  - -back up of cooked rice measured 40.1C internal
  - -back up of cooked potatoes measured 40.1C internal
  - Corrective Action(s): Discarded both trays of products noted above.
  - Ensure that all hot potentially hazardous products are stored >60 degrees C at all times.
  - Violation Score: 5
  - 301 - Equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary condition [s. 17(1)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): can opener and potato press found to have a build up of food and grease build up
  - Corrective Action(s): ensure that the above noted items are cleaned and sanitized immediately after use.
  - Violation Score: 5
  - 303 - Equipment/facilities/hot & cold water for sanitary maintenance not adequate [s. 17(3); s. 4(1)(f)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): 2 issues;
  - -sanitizer solution not available in the back of house at the time of inspection
  - -low temperature dishwasher measured 0 ppm chlorine at the time of inspection
  - Corrective Action(s): operator restocked sanitizer measuring 200 ppm QUATS
  - low temperature dishwasher was primed for sanitizer, after 2 minutes of priming, sanitizer was present on cycles. dishware washed that day were rewashed.
  - Operator indicated that a new bucket of sanitizer was replaced last night, staff didn't prime machine.
  - Ensure that mechanical dishwashers throughout the premises are monitored using test strips for sanitizer concentration. iodine dishwasher must measure 12.5ppm to 25ppm iodine at the glass surface, while chlorine dishwashers must measure 50ppm to 100ppm chlorine on the dish surface.
  - Violation Score: 15
  - 401 - Adequate handwashing stations not available for employees [s. 21(4)]
  - Observation (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION): Handwashing stations at both the front and back bars found to be missing liquid soap and paper towels.
  - Corrective Action(s): ensure that all handsinks are stocked with liquid soap, paper towels, and hot/cold running water at all times
  - Violation Score: 5
- 209 - Food not protected from contamination [s. 12(a)]
  - Observation: 2 issues;
  - -two bottles of water found stored in the ice machine's ice well
  - -containers or raw chicken stored above fruits and vegetables in the walk-in cooler
  - Corrective Action(s): this ice is meant for consumption. do not store foreign items in ice well.
  - reorganize the walk-in cooler and ensure that all raw meats and seafoods are stored below ready to eat products and fruits and vegetables.
  - Violation Score: 3
  - 310 - Single use containers & utensils are used more than once [s. 20]
  - Observation: numerous containers of food in the kitchen are stored in repeatedly cleaned and reused single use food packages (feta cheese containers, ice cream containers, various food pails, etc). one cheese container was found to be faded and shredding from reuse
  - Corrective Action(s): Remove all single use food packaging being reused.
  - Obtain food grade reusable containers for all food products
  - Violation Score: 9