Alberta Health Services orders 2 local grocery stores to shut down after health code violations

An Alberta Health Services sign can be seen in this undated file photo. (File)

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has ordered two local grocery stores to shut down after finding several health code violations.

Afro Tropical Groceries, located at 10712 97 St., was ordered to shut down on Jan. 9; Malhotra Wholesale, located at 9426 39 Ave., was ordered to shut down on Tuesday.

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Malhotra Wholesale

AHS documents revealed food which was served or available to purchase was “contaminated” and “unfit for human consumption” at Malhotra Wholesale.

Pest infestations were also noted, and AHS said foods were not being stored in a sanitary manner, including having food related equipment stored on a dirty floor and with personal clothing.

The document also stated damaged foods were repaired with tape and were available for purchase.

Afro Tropical Groceries

The report for Afro Tropical Groceries stated mouse droppings were found on a table around the meat cutting machine, and that no pest control measures were in place.

According to the document, the business owner was unable to provide documentation about where items were obtained from, including beef, chicken, goat, fish, grasshoppers and chapati, a type of flatbread.

AHS said food was also being handled, portioned and packaged at the site despite the food handling permit prohibiting the preparation of food.

All enforcement orders given out by AHS can be found on their website.