Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food safety inspection outcomes in Toronto, Canada: a Bayesian interrupted time series analysis

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in major disruptions to the food service industry and regulatory food inspections. The objective of this study was to conduct an interrupted time series analysis to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food safety inspection trends in Toronto, Canada. Inspection data for restaurants and take-out establishments were obtained from 2017 to 2022 and ordered as a weekly time series. Bayesian segmented regression was conducted to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on weekly infraction and inspection pass rates. On average, a 0.31-point lower weekly infraction rate (95% credible interval [CI]: 0.23, 0.40) and a 2.0% higher probability of passing inspections (95% CI: 1.1%, 3.0%) were predicted in the pandemic period compared to pre-pandemic. Models predicted lower infraction rates and higher pass rates immediately following the pandemic that were regressing back toward pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Seasonal effects were also identified, with infraction rates highest in April and pass rates lowest in August. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an initial positive effect on food safety outcomes in restaurants and take-out food establishments in Toronto, but this effect appears to be temporary. Additional research is needed on seasonal and long-term inspection trends post-pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 Testing and Complications Across 6 Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Individuals Recently Experiencing Homelessness in Ontario, Canada

“…We were unable to determine the classification of homelessness among whom risks might differ. Further, with reductions in the availability and eligibility of SARS-CoV-2 testing along with increased reliance on rapid antigen tests for infection confirmation in our region starting December 2021, 3 , 4 caution is warranted in the interpretation of surveillance and risk estimation efforts using health administrative data from this period and onwards.…”