Inspectors reinstate Fort St. John eateries ‘low’ food risk rating

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Food health inspectors have reinstated ‘low’ ratings for two Fort St. John eateries, the safest risk designation.

Both Whole Wheat and Honey Cafe and Fort St. John Links Golf Course have been given ‘low’ risk ratings by Northern Health, on September 11th and August 28th respectively. 

This means the inspectors found no critical hazards, whereas a ‘moderate’ rating means there are one or more hazards but the operator has demonstrated a willingness to comply, and ‘high’ means the establishment had several critical or non-critical hazards and could be deemed a health risk to the public.

Both establishments had received ‘moderate’ ratings earlier this year. 

For Links, the August 6th inspection which received a ‘moderate’ rating is the only instance on Northern Health’s portal which was not ‘low’.

Jeff Holland, manager at the clubhouse, told Energeticcity.ca: “We take safety very seriously. We had a couple of little things to address and we’re back to the standard that we expect.”

After Whole Wheat and Honey Cafe’s June 4th report, which logged a ‘moderate’ rating, inspectors visited three more times on September 4th, 10th and 11th. 

The business was upped to a ‘high’ risk rating on September 4th, brought back down to ‘moderate’ on the 10th and then lowered further to a ‘low’ on the 11th. 

These results mean the business has received six ‘moderate’ or ‘high’ ratings in 2025.

There were 16 violations raised in the initial two September visits combined, nine of which were listed as ‘repeat,’ two ‘critical’ and two ‘critical repeat.’ 

The ‘critical repeat’ violations were “cold potentially hazardous food stored/displayed above 4 C” and “equipment/utensils/food contact surfaces not maintained in sanitary condition,” for example “a stand mixer stored on the floor had dried on dough build up.”  

“All potentially hazardous foods must be stored at below 4 C or above 60 C – out of the danger zone to prevent bacterial growth and possibly foodborne illness,” reads the report.

However, these were not seen during the latest September 11th report, when no violations were recorded. 

In September, the restaurant closed temporarily, with a sign outside stating this was “due to kitchen maintenance.” 

Energeticcity.ca attempted to speak with management on Thursday, September 11th. 

Supervisor Simran Kaur stated the closure was due to “maintenance issues” but did not comment further.

Previously, management at the restaurant told Energeticcity.ca that a change in ownership in March led to an improvement of health requirements, and all current staff have proper certification.

The full reports are available on Northern Health’s website.