Toronto Health Inspectors Target Downtown Shawarma Restaurant with Multiple Violations
Toronto health inspectors have issued a series of infractions to a popular shawarma restaurant located in the heart of the city's Financial District. Shawarma Q, situated at 987 Bay Street, received eight separate violations during a recent inspection, raising concerns about food safety practices at the establishment.
Detailed Breakdown of Shawarma Q's Health Violations
According to official reports from Toronto Public Health, the inspection conducted on Monday revealed two crucial infractions that directly impact food safety. The restaurant failed to ensure that food handlers washed their hands as necessary to prevent contamination, and additionally did not adequately protect food from contamination or adulteration during preparation and service.
The inspection also uncovered five significant violations that included:
- Using multi-service articles not suitable for their intended purpose
- Failing to properly clean multi-service articles after use
- Sanitizing utensils in chlorine solution for less than the required 45 seconds
- Not maintaining adequate pest control measures
- Failing to keep proper records of pest control activities
One additional violation was categorized as "other," specifically that the restaurant failed to ensure the presence of a food handler or supervisor during all hours of operation.
Restaurant Remains Open Despite Multiple Violations
Despite the concerning number of infractions, Shawarma Q remains open to the public and continues to serve its menu of shawarmas, kebabs, burgers, wraps, wings, and their signature take on poutine. This marks a departure from the restaurant's previous inspection history, which showed six consecutive passed inspections since 2024 with only minor violations noted.
The establishment specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine and has become a popular lunch spot for Financial District workers seeking quick, affordable meals in the downtown core.
Scarborough Restaurant Also Receives Multiple Infractions
In a separate but related development, Toronto Public Health inspectors also cited T-Bones, a drive-in restaurant located in Scarborough, with seven violations. The inspection revealed three significant infractions including failure to retain pest control records for the required one-year period, not collecting waste frequently enough to maintain sanitary conditions, and lacking proper hand-drying facilities in sanitary areas.
The Scarborough establishment, which specializes in steaks and burgers, also received three minor violations related to maintaining sanitary conditions in food-handling areas and preventing pest entry. An additional "other" category violation noted that the restaurant did not have its license available at the time of inspection, prompting a referral to Municipal Licensing and Standards.
Understanding Toronto's DineSafe Program
Toronto's restaurant inspection system operates under the DineSafe program, which categorizes violations as crucial, significant, or minor based on their potential impact on public health. Crucial infractions represent the most serious violations that could directly lead to foodborne illness, while significant violations indicate practices that could contribute to food contamination if not corrected.
Both restaurants received "Notice to Comply" orders, requiring them to address the identified issues within specified timeframes. Toronto Public Health conducts regular inspections of all food establishments in the city, with results publicly available through the DineSafe website where consumers can check the inspection history of any restaurant.
The recent inspections highlight the ongoing challenges facing food service establishments in maintaining consistent health and safety standards, particularly as restaurants navigate post-pandemic operational changes and staffing considerations.
