Your Independent Grocer (Kirkland Lake)

Inspection summary

Your Independent Grocer (Kirkland Lake) has been inspected 15 times by Porcupine Health Unit since November 28, 2014. The most recent inspection, on October 1, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

7 of 15 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 4 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

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.

• 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 6 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on October 1, 2026. For example: A sufficient number of handwash stations are present, each has all required supplies, are not used for any other purpose, and are not blocked/rendered inaccessible. [s. 7(3)(a)(c), (4)]

• 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 once on November 1, 2018. For example: 2-sink manual dishwashing provided with wash, rinse, sanitize technique.

• 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 November 12, 2025. For example: At all times, there is at least one certified food handler present every hour of operation. [s.32]

• 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 23, 2025. For example: Walls, ceilings, and floors are constructed and maintained in all areas of smooth, non-absorbent and cleanable surfaces. [s. 7(c)]

• Other findingsLower risk

  Findings that do not fit the categories above, such as follow-ups that confirm an earlier violation was corrected, or requirements specific to this type of facility.

  Recorded once on October 1, 2026. For example: All food items are processed in a manner that makes them safe to eat. [s. 26(2)]

About this data

These results come from Porcupine Health Unit, 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 Porcupine Health Unit disclosure site
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• How to read an inspection report