Richmond food company May Lian Foods shut down over pest infestation and unsafe storage
Vancouver Coastal Health closed the Maycrest Way facility after finding rodent activity, improper cooling of hazardous foods, and multiple sanitary violations during a Tuesday inspection.
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Vancouver Coastal Health has ordered the closure of May Lian Foods Company Ltd in Richmond following a routine inspection that uncovered serious health and safety violations.
Inspectors visited the facility on Maycrest Way on Tuesday, August 4 and discovered 11 total violations, including 10 critical infractions. The two primary reasons for the immediate shutdown were evidence of rodent activity and improper food storage temperatures.
The inspection found signs of rodent infestation and conditions allowing pests to harbour, breed, and enter the facility. Health officials also reported that potentially hazardous food was not being cooled using approved equipment or methods, and some food was still being stored, displayed, or offered for sale despite these unsafe conditions.
Additional violations included sanitation failures: equipment, food-contact surfaces, utensils, dishes, and glasses were not properly cleaned and sanitized. Inspectors also noted that the handwashing station was either obstructed or being used for other purposes, preventing employees from exercising proper hand hygiene.
After the inspection, VCH issued the closure order and directed the company to comply with all regulations. The business cannot reopen until VCH determines that violations have been corrected. The reopening date remains pending. A full list of the 11 violations is available in VCH's inspection report for the facility.
As HighOnCity reported in June, a commercial café on Commercial Drive was also ordered closed over similar sanitary violations, part of a broader pattern of enforcement activity by VCH in the region.
At a glance
Where is May Lian Foods located?
May Lian Foods Company Ltd is located on Maycrest Way in Richmond.
When was the facility inspected?
Vancouver Coastal Health inspectors visited the facility on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Why was May Lian Foods shut down?
The facility was closed due to rodent activity and improper cooling of potentially hazardous foods. Inspectors also found sanitation failures including uncleaned equipment and food-contact surfaces, and a handwashing station that was obstructed or being misused.
