Yemeni Village restaurant in downtown Calgary to close: What happened?

Updated on 17 May 2024, 01:52 IST

Yemen Village in downtown Calgary may be closed due to health violations, including poor sanitation, improper food storage and mold, according to Alberta Health Services. The restaurant, located at 8 SW 402, closed on May 7 after its food processing permit was suspended on May 10. The closure was investigated and subsequent enforcement actions taken after two customers tested positive for E. coli.

Alberta Health Services closes Yemen Village after violating Health Code

Alberta Health Services recently issued an order to close the city center Calgary depending on the kitchen, laundry list health disorder. This decision caused a wave of protest among the public and caused the institution to be put up for sale. The close the order was issued on May 7, and the food processing permit was subsequently suspended on May 10. The building now has a “For Sale” sign hanging on it, indicating the possibility of closing soon.

The closure order lists 38 shocking health violations ranging from sanitation and safety to failure to inspect product sources. Violations included 10 frozen lamb heads stored in a walk-in freezer, several bags of unlabeled lamb parts and no clear invoices for products received. There was also mold and mouse droppings in the kitchen, improper temperature control when storing food, and no hot water in the hand-washing sinks.

Health authorities determined that the reason for the closure was a direct result of two customers testing positive for E. Coli after eating the dinner. A Yemeni village. This prompted an investigation, and AHS then called for immediate action to protect public health.

Despite the “For Sale” sign hanging on the building, the restaurant has 14 days to reapply for a food processing permit if it finds and corrects all 38 violations. This includes proving that all food is sourced from approved suppliers and providing documentation from suppliers and invoices for meat products. Thorough cleaning and sanitation of food contact surfaces is also very important.

Anas Alsurmi, the owner of the Yemeni village, expressed his sadness at the closure. He noted compliance challenges, particularly due to staff turnover and difficulties obtaining visas for specialist chefs. Now, amid multiple closings and compliance hearings, the restaurant may be dealing with permanent closure.

Posted by Jenelle Tresa Albuquerque

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