Health inspectors shut down a McDonald's

PopGoesTheNews.com Inspectors from Toronto Public Health paid a visit to a busy McDonald's on Wednesday — and they weren't lovin' it.

The "open 24 hours" McDonald's at 345 Bloor Street East remains closed today after health inspectors shut it down for numerous violations. A sign posted next to the city-issued order reads: "We are currently close (sic) for renovation and cleaning. Sorry for the inconvenience." It's not known when the restaurant will re-open.

The restaurant was closed due to "inadequate pest control" and for failing to "prevent an insect infestation" (reportedly cockroaches). Inspectors rated the severity of the violations as "significant" and "crucial" respectively. Inspectors also cited it for "failure to protect food from contamination" and "improper maintenance/sanitation of non-food contact surfaces/equipment." The report notes McDonald's failed to properly wash surfaces and equipment.

In addition to the closure order, the restaurant was issued a summons and health hazard order.

The McDonald's, located in Greenwin Square — and popular with employees of the nearby Rogers campus — passed an inspection in May 2011 but was given a Conditional Pass in October 2010 for failing "to ensure food is not contaminated/adulterated" and for improper equipment and maintenance.

A neighboring Panzerotto Pizza outlet and a Swiss Chalet in the same mall have both passed all their inspections.

This McDonald's is apparently the first to be closed by Toronto Public Health in at least two years. According to records, four locations (595 Bay St., 61 Front St. West, 1000 Gerrard St. East and 2365 Dundas St. West) received Conditional passes after inspections last year but quickly rectified the problems.

Update: Toronto Public Health inspected McDonald's at 345 Bloor St. E. on Sept. 2 and the restaurant passed.

Photo by John R. Kennedy/PopGoesTheNews.com.