A Shocking Health Inspection Failure

In a shocking turn of events, the beloved Farm Boy grocery store at Yonge Street and Soudan Avenue in Midtown Toronto was temporarily closed after failing a stringent health inspection this week. The shutdown, which occurred on Monday, came as a direct result of four significant violations, including two critical infractions primarily related to a disturbing rodent problem.

Employees Fear for Their Jobs as Rodent Problems Persist

Anonymous employees of the store have bravely come forward, revealing that this specific location has long been known among staff as the "mouse store." One employee recounted a harrowing experience involving a box of yams that, upon opening, released a family of mice ready to jump out!

Another employee lamented the grim reality of working in such a compromised environment, stating, "Picking up mouse droppings and removing dead mice has become part of our routine." As shocking as it sounds, their claims highlight an ongoing issue that seems far from resolution.

Food Safety at Risk: Thousands of Dollars in Contaminated Goods

The gravity of the situation cannot be understated. Employees admit that thousands of dollars worth of food is discarded weekly due to contamination risks posed by the rodent infestation. They noted, "There's been many times where contaminated products have made their way to the sales floor," presenting a serious health hazard for unsuspecting customers.

Attempts to Combat the Infestation Fall Short

Before the store's closure, employees reported ongoing efforts to control the mouse problem. A third-party pest control service was enlisted for what they termed “blitzes,” which involved deploying an overwhelming number of traps. Yet, these attempts were merely scratching the surface. One employee recounted seeing mice frozen in the store's refrigeration units, indicating the severity of the issue.

A Repeated History of Violations

This particular Farm Boy location hasn’t been a stranger to health inspection troubles. The City’s records show that it has received conditional passes in the past few months, always citing the same issue: a failure to protect against the harbouring of pests. Employees expressed frustration, claiming, "Mice have taken over the store—you can’t take a single step without encountering droppings."

Ensuring Safety Before Reopening

The employees have a firm message as the store seeks to reopen: the pest problem needs a definitive solution. One employee expressed deep concern, saying, “There are kids who come in and pick up food without knowing what’s going on. If a child gets sick, I don’t want that on my conscience.”

Farm Boy's Commitment to Improvement

In light of the situation, Farm Boy has issued a statement acknowledging the severity of these concerns. They assert that they are working diligently to resolve the issue in collaboration with building management, stating, "We always take immediate action when issues arise." The store remains closed while they implement corrective measures, promising to uphold their high standards before reopening.

Farm Boy expressed regret for the inconvenience and is asking for patience from customers as they tackle these pressing health and safety challenges.