Public health orders bakery’s closure after ‘heavy rat infestation’ discovered
HARRISTON – The Son of Ra Sourdough Bakery may need the daughter of Ra, the cat goddess Bastet, after rats were discovered infiltrating the Harriston bakery.
Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) ordered closed the local dough maker after an inspector, following up on a complaint, found six violations, including a “heavy rat infestation” on Aug. 27.
A public health report says a food handling space wasn’t cleaned and free of broken equipment.
There were large holes and gaps in walls allowing rats inside, and the inspector found a rear alley way in “unsanitary condition” along with a “barrel of mouldy bread.”
The inspector also found food ingredients stored in a freezer with unsanitary conditions.
Contaminated food was ordered to be tossed.
Son of Ra owner Mark LaRiviere told the Advertiser he’s working on remediation efforts so he can reopen the Elora Street South business.
“There’s no production going on right now,” he said.
His business is a bakery only; there’s no public store front.
His breads are retailed across the street at the Magic Ice Cream Shoppe, other businesses like Clifford Takeout, and at farmers’ markets.
LaRiviere is installing exterior rodent mesh and interior concrete baseboards to close gaps.
“I’ve extended my pest control services to the whole property,” LaRiviere added.
He started the bakery in 2023, taking over the former Harriston Bakery building, that he says wasn’t well maintained over its 140-year lifetime.
LaRiviere said he has since been renovating the building as money allows.
“I’m hoping within two weeks everything should be tightened up and to order,” he said.
WDGPH spokesperson Kelvin McDermott said an inspector would need to confirm problems are rectified and issue a written notice before the bakery could reopen.
