Montreal Supermarket Fined Over $4,300 for Food Safety Violations

A supermarket in Montreal’s Saint-Laurent borough has been fined a total of $4,300 for violations of food safety regulations, according to the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ). The penalties were imposed after inspections revealed multiple infractions at Marché Lian Tai, located at 1993 Boulevard Marcel-Laurin.

On March 7, 2024, the supermarket was found guilty of failing to maintain proper records of food purchases and suppliers, a requirement under Quebec’s food safety law. This violation resulted in a fine of $2,500. A subsequent inspection on August 2, 2024, identified another infraction related to the improper storage of perishable foods. Under provincial guidelines, items other than whole fresh fruits and vegetables must be kept at temperatures of 4°C or lower. For this violation, the supermarket faced an additional fine of $1,800.

Both judgments were delivered by the Montreal municipal court on September 12, 2025. Despite these penalties, Marché Lian Tai has maintained a relatively positive reputation online, holding an average rating of 4.1 stars on Google reviews. However, a closer look at customer feedback reveals a mixed response. While five-star reviews are prevalent, one-star ratings constitute the third most common feedback, with several complaints echoing the issues highlighted by MAPAQ.

MAPAQ officials have indicated that businesses can continue to operate following such infractions only if they implement corrective measures. Inspectors conduct follow-up visits to ensure compliance with health standards, and temporary closures are initiated only when there is an immediate threat to public safety.

In a broader context, the situation at Marché Lian Tai underscores the importance of adherence to food safety protocols, not only for compliance but also to maintain customer trust. As the scrutiny of food safety practices intensifies, businesses are reminded of their responsibility to protect public health.

This incident is part of a growing trend of health inspections in Quebec, where enforcement agencies are increasingly vigilant about food safety violations. The public’s awareness of such issues continues to rise, prompting consumers to scrutinize businesses more closely and demand accountability.