Health inspectors have issued a warning to a restaurant in the heart of P.E.I.’s second largest hospital expressing concern that improper refrigeration in one of the shop’s fridges could make people sick.
An inspection at Bakin Express inside the Prince County Hospital in Summerside discovered the fridge where sandwich meats and other foods were being stored was too warm.
Joe Bradley, the head of environmental health with the province, says the fridge started freezing when it was at its coldest setting.  He said they increased the setting but that caused it to be too warm to protect the food inside.
Bradley said the problem has since been fixed and staff is now keeping temperature records to ensure the proper temperature is maintained.
Bakin Express is located next to the hospital’s cafeteria but is not operated by the hospital.
Bradley explained that improper fridge temperatures could make people sick.
“Because all bacteria will multiply more rapidly the warmer the temperature,” said Bradley.
There were no reports of people getting sick from eating at the restaurant.
The improper fridge temperature was discovered on Oct. 16. It was corrected on Oct. 21.
Three restaurants receiving warning letters during recent inspections.
Smitty’s Restaurant in Charlottetown received a warning for concerns about cleanliness. Surfaces and equipment required better cleaning.
Health inspectors also raised concerns about food being stored without proper covers.
A warning letter also went out to a vendor at the Charlottetown Farmers Market.
The Hearth was cited for having a fridge that was too warm. The owners were storing ready-to-eat soups.
Bradley said since the inspection the owners have stopped selling the ready-to-eat soups. They are now selling only hot soup.
In addition, Bradley said the old fridge is out of service. They are now using coolers with ice.
Health inspectors plan to continue to monitor the Montague-based operation.

wthibodeau@theguardian.pe.ca