Toronto Dessert Shop Choco Choo Shut Down Over 11 Health Violations
A popular downtown Toronto dessert shop has been forced to close its doors after receiving nearly a dozen health infractions from city inspectors. Choco Choo, located at 35 St. Joseph Street near Bay Street and Wellesley Street West, was issued a red notice and shut down on March 26, 2026, following a routine inspection by Toronto Public Health.
Details of the Health Violations
The inspection revealed a total of 11 infractions, categorized into crucial, significant, minor, and other violations. Two crucial infractions were particularly severe: one for maintaining the food premise in a manner that adversely affects sanitary operation, which led to a summons and health hazard order, and another for storing potentially hazardous foods at internal temperatures between 4°C and 60°C, posing a serious risk to public health.
Six significant violations were also documented, primarily related to poor sanitary conditions. These included hand-washing stations not being conveniently accessible for food handlers, failure to remove waste promptly to maintain cleanliness, inadequate sanitization of multi-service articles after use, and insufficient cleaning of utensils. Additionally, the shop failed to protect against pest harborage and did not maintain records of pest control measures.
Additional Infractions and Consequences
Two minor infractions were noted for failing to protect against pest entry and not maintaining the food-handling room in a sanitary condition. An "other" violation was recorded because the shop's license was not available during the inspection. As a result, Toronto Public Health has issued a referral to Municipal Licensing and Standards for further action.
Choco Choo, known for its breakfast and dessert offerings such as crepes, waffles, croffles, and Belgian chocolate creations, remains closed indefinitely. It is unclear when or if the establishment will reopen, as the closure follows a pattern of similar incidents in Toronto, including recent shutdowns of other local eateries like Commisso bakery and Little Italy restaurants.
Broader Implications for Food Safety
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about food safety and regulatory compliance in Toronto's dining scene. Residents can check detailed lists of infractions at local restaurants through the DineSafe program to stay informed. The closure serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to health standards to protect consumers and maintain public trust in food establishments.
