The Passionate Cook's Essential

Inspection summary

The Passionate Cook's Essential has been inspected 5 times by Durham Region Health Department since December 6, 2024. The most recent inspection, on May 28, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

None of the 5 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Chemicals and toxic substances.

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 once on May 28, 2026. For example: Adequate protection against the entrance of insects, vermin, and rodents

• 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 once on December 17, 2025. For example: Hand washing basin with supplies of hot and cold water, soap in a dispenser and single-use towels

• Chemicals and toxic substancesHigher risk

  Cleaning products, sanitizers and pesticides must be labelled and stored away from food and food-contact surfaces. Inspectors flag chemicals that could end up in food, as well as pest treatments applied without proper supervision.

  Recorded once on June 24, 2025. For example: Food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed, installed, maintained, located (smooth, non-absorbent, cleanable, corrosion resistant and non-toxic)

• 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 December 6, 2024. For example: Potentially hazardous food is held at 4°C (40°F) or lower

• Equipment and utensilsLower risk

  Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

  Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 28, 2026. For example: Equipment, non-food contact surfaces and linen are maintained, designed, constructed, installed and accessible for cleaning

About this data

These results come from Durham Region Health Department, 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.

• View the official Durham Region Health Department disclosure site
• See all inspected facilities in Durham Region
• How to read an inspection report