Three restaurants in the food court of Calgary’s Sunridge Mall were ordered closed after an Alberta Health Services (AHS) inspection discovered of “a significant cockroach infestation.”
Edo Japan, Famous Wok and Opa! of Greece were all ordered to close by AHS on Feb. 6 after inspectors found numerous live and dead cockroaches on pest control glue boards.
Officials also found “a build-up of grease and food debris on the floor and directly against the walls in hard-to-reach areas behind and under equipment.”
In its public report, AHS said all three restaurants must “immediately close” and pest control measures must be implemented.
The restaurants must also be thoroughly cleaned and damaged equipment needs to be replaced, AHS said.
Once the pest control company has given all clear, the restaurants need to provide a report outlining control measures and a “future pest management plan.”
‘Isolated incident’
Edo Japan, one of the affected businesses, says it takes all inspections seriously and the findings at its Sunridge location was “an isolated incident.”
“Edo took immediate action, fully complying with AHS requirements, and promptly closing the location,” Terry Foster, Edo Japan’s vice-president of operations and franchising, wrote in an email.
“This matter is being treated with the utmost importance, and we are working closely with our franchisee, health authorities, mall management, and third-party experts to ensure full compliance with regulatory health and safety requirements, as well as our own stringent procedures.”
In addition, Edo conducted a thorough cleaning of the location and is committed to working closely with the mall’s pest control provider as well as neighbouring tenants to combat the issue.
“Operating within a mall setting presents unique challenges that require ongoing collaboration with landlords, nearby retailers, and pest control professionals. We remain fully dedicated to these partnerships to maintain a safe and sanitary environment for our guests and staff,” Foster said.
The store will remain closed until formal approval to reopen has been received from AHS.
CTV News has reached out to Sunridge Mall for comment on the closures but has not heard back.
