Two pho restaurants ordered closed due to mouse droppings

Alberta Health Services has ordered two Calgary restaurants to close in the past week after mouse droppings and food safety issues were found at both establishments.

Pho 26, at 4019-A 17th Ave. S.E., was ordered closed July 14.

An AHS inspector noted “a substantial amount of mouse droppings” throughout the restaurant, including “the kitchen area, on food containers, on counters, beside open food, in food storage areas, on and below equipment, in the bar area and in the front storage area.”

Fourteen other items of concern were listed on the inspection report, including flies in the kitchen, poor handwashing habits by staff, and a refrigerator operating well above the required temperature of 4 C. The health inspector found scoops without handles that were encrusted with food in bulk food bins, dirty tongs hanging from a stove handle, and dirt and food debris on numerous surfaces, including “the deep fryer, burners, ventilation canopy inserts, interior of the walk-in cooler, all shelves, food storage containers, food storage cart, and (the) ice machine.”

Nobody at the restaurant could be reached by phone, and a voicemail message indicated the eatery is temporarily closed.

The second restaurant, Pho Asia, at 9737 Macleod Trail S.W., was ordered closed July 15. The inspection report listed 13 items of concern.

The inspector found “a significant mouse infestation,” including dead mice on glue traps and droppings throughout the restaurant. The restaurant had no plan for pest management or pest management records. Two fridges were operating above the required 4 C. High-risk foods were being stored without temperature control. In general, the inspector noted “an accumulation of grease, dirt and food debris” on surfaces throughout the restaurant. Calls to the restaurant were not answered.

Both restaurants have been ordered closed until they address the problems noted.