Interior Health Finds 10 Infractions at Valoroso Foods

Interior Health has confirmed that a recent inspection has taken place at Valoroso Foods and that the business is facing 10 infractions.

Interior Health entered the business on Sutherland Avenue in Kelowna on Friday, March 20^th to monitor the situation. According to IH, there are 10 infractions that have been identified at the specialty food store. This latest inspection comes on the heels of allegations that employees were told by owner Joe Valoroso to change best before dates on products, something the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says is not illegal.

Photo Credit: Valoroso Foods

According to information released by Interior Health, the infractions include:

• a lack of a written food safety plan
• chemicals and cleaners are not being stored in areas separate from food and contamination may be a problem
• foods are not stored in appropriate containers
• dishes, utensils and surfaces are not properly cleaned and sanitized
• wipe clothes are not maintained and stored in a sanitary manner
• the premises is not free from pests, harbourage areas and protected from pest entry.

Interior Health also found that of the five food hazards they check for, four failed at the facility. According to the report there are no accurate thermometers available to monitor temperatures, potentially hazardous foods are not stored or displayed either at 4 degrees or colder or 60 degrees or hotter, and foods are not protected from contamination or cross contaminations. The most damning of these food hazards is that Interior Health found that not all food on the premises is fit for human consumption.

Photo Credit: Valoroso Foods

Interior Health says they have discussed a remediation plan with Valoroso and information has been exchanged between the two parties. The last inspection to take place at the store front was on December 6^th, 2013 and Interior Health found only two infractions. An inspection has also taken place at the Valoroso Warehouse on Richter Street in Kelowna, and inspectors have found two infractions there.

At this location Interior Health has found that the premises are not free from pests and not all the food on the premises is fit for human consumption. This is just the latest information to come to light regarding the situation at Valoroso Foods. The company recently closed its doors to conduct an inventory review of all products.

Photo Credit: Valoroso Foods

It’s unclear when the specialty store will reopen, but Interior Health urges people to be cautious when interpreting the facility inspection. “When viewing the information, be careful not to interpret the status of a particular facility based on a single inspection report,” said Interior Health.