A Dairy Queen and Orange Julius establishment located in southeast Calgary has been forced to close its doors following a series of severe health violations uncovered by provincial inspectors. The closure, mandated by Alberta Health Services, stems from findings of mice feces and nests within the facility, raising significant public health concerns.
Inspections Reveal Alarming Conditions
According to a closure notice dated April 20, 2026, inspectors identified multiple health hazards at the fast-food outlet situated at 159 – 9919 Fairmount Drive S.E. The violations included mice feces in both the front service area and back storage zones, as well as a mouse nest discovered behind the ice cream machine. These findings prompted immediate action from health authorities to prevent potential contamination and ensure customer safety.
Structural Deficiencies Exacerbate Issues
In addition to the rodent infestation, inspectors noted critical structural problems that could facilitate pest entry. Gaps were found under the back exterior door and between the doors at the front entrance, along with holes in the walls and baseboards. These defects not only compromise hygiene but also indicate a lack of proper maintenance, which is essential for food service operations.
Owner's Responsibilities and Closure Details
The notice has directed Angeline Macabugao, the owner of the establishment, to undertake comprehensive corrective measures. She is required to close the location indefinitely and conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the entire premises. Furthermore, Macabugao must hire a licensed pest control company to address the mouse infestation and provide a detailed report after the initial assessment.
Repairs are also mandated, including fixing all holes and damages to surfaces and replacing the weatherstripping on the front door to seal off potential entry points for pests. The closure does not have a specified timeline; instead, the establishment can only reopen once an Alberta Health Services executive officer has inspected and approved all the implemented changes.
Public Misinformation and Ongoing Situation
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Dairy Queen was observed closed, with a sign on the door attributing the shutdown to a mechanical issue, such as a hot water shortage. This signage made no mention of the sanitary violations outlined in the official closure notice, leading to potential confusion among customers. The discrepancy highlights the importance of transparency in public health matters, especially in the food service industry.
The incident underscores the critical role of regular health inspections in maintaining food safety standards. As the owner works to rectify the violations, the community awaits updates on when the establishment might resume operations, pending full compliance with health regulations.
