The Willows - My Life Retirement Living - Kitchen

Inspection summary

The Willows - My Life Retirement Living - Kitchen has been inspected 5 times by Niagara Region Public Health since March 31, 2025. The most recent inspection, on August 7, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

1 of 5 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 6 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Chemicals and toxic substances and Food temperature control.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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.

• 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 7, 2026. For example: Toxic and poisonous substances are labelled and stored separately from food.

• 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 August 7, 2026. For example: Cold holding is adequate and maintained at 4°C (40°F) or lower.

• Food safety training and certificationLower risk

  Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

  Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 15, 2026. For example: An adequate number of handwashing stations are maintained and kept adequately supplied and are situated for convenient access by food handlers.

• 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 once on August 7, 2026. For example: Food contact equipment, utensils and service articles are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

• Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

  Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

  Recorded once on July 18, 2025. For example: Lighting is adequate for food preparation and cleaning.

About this data

These results come from Niagara Region Public 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.

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