Edmonton Restaurant Mouse Infestation – Cosmic Pizza Closed by Health Inspectors

A southeast Edmonton pizza restaurant was ordered closed by Alberta Health Services in late 2024 after inspectors discovered a severe rodent infestation affecting food preparation and dining areas. The closure of Cosmic Pizza at 5021 22nd Avenue SW marked one of the most significant health enforcement actions taken against an Edmonton eatery that year.

Health inspection reports reveal live mice, contaminated flour bags, and accumulated droppings throughout the facility, prompting immediate regulatory intervention. The incident has drawn attention to food safety protocols at chain restaurants operating across Alberta.

Contrary to some online speculation, the closure affected Cosmic Pizza, not Boston Pizza locations in Edmonton. The case highlights ongoing challenges with pest control in commercial food service environments during colder months when rodents seek indoor shelter.

What Happened in the Edmonton Restaurant Mouse Infestation?

Alberta Health Services inspectors documented a “heavy infestation of rodents” at the Cosmic Pizza location on 22nd Avenue SW during a routine inspection on November 21, 2024. The findings prompted an immediate closure order due to imminent health hazards.

Restaurant

Cosmic Pizza

Location

5021 22nd Avenue SW, Edmonton

Date

November 21, 2024

Status

Ordered Closed

The inspection revealed widespread contamination that extended beyond storage areas into customer-facing spaces.

Key Findings

Live mouse observed during inspection
Heavy urine and droppings accumulations behind customer dining tables
Contamination present at front counter, shelving units, and food preparation equipment
Flour bags stored with visible rodent droppings and urine
Additional critical violations included visibly undercooked ground beef and mouldy garlic
Pest control records unavailable for review
Chain operates over 22 locations across Alberta

Fact	Details
Establishment	Cosmic Pizza
Address	5021 22nd Avenue SW, Edmonton
Closure Date	November 21, 2024
Regulatory Authority	Alberta Health Services (AHS)
Primary Violation	Heavy rodent infestation
Live Sighting	Yes, one mouse observed
Contaminated Areas	Dining area, counter, shelving, deli table, oven, mixer
Food Contamination	Flour bags, equipment surfaces
Critical Violations	Undercooked beef, mouldy garlic, unsanitary containers
Operating Status	Closed pending remediation
Media Response	No comment provided to Daily Hive
Chain Information	22+ locations across Alberta

What Was the Official Response to the Infestation?

Alberta Health Services issued an immediate closure order on November 21, 2024, citing conditions that posed imminent health risks to the public. The enforcement action followed standard protocols for severe food safety violations.

Health Authority Action

Inspectors documented the violations using the provincial health inspection framework. The Alberta Health Services closure order specifically noted the heavy rodent infestation and multiple critical violations that rendered the establishment unsafe for food preparation.

Public Health Alert

Rodent droppings and urine can carry pathogens including salmonella and hantavirus. Food contact with these contaminants presents serious illness risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.

Restaurant Statement

Daily Hive contacted the 22nd Avenue location for comment regarding the closure and inspection findings. The establishment did not respond to requests for comment regarding the violations or remediation timeline.

What Is the Background and Timeline of the Incident?

The southeast Edmonton location operates as part of a regional pizza chain with over 22 locations throughout Alberta. The restaurant is situated in a commercial area of 22nd Avenue SW serving residential neighborhoods.

Location Profile

The 5021 22nd Avenue SW address places the restaurant in southeast Edmonton, an area with mixed commercial and residential development. AHS inspection records indicate this location had not previously faced closure-level violations prior to November 2024.

Inspection Sequence

The November 21 inspection occurred during routine surveillance activities. Inspectors observed active rodent evidence throughout the facility, including areas accessible to customers, triggering the immediate cessation of operations.

What Are the Health Risks and Broader Context?

Rodent infestations in food service establishments present documented health hazards beyond the immediate visual contamination. The Edmonton incident reflects seasonal patterns where colder temperatures drive rodents into heated commercial spaces.

Contamination Risks

Mouse droppings and urine can harbor salmonella, leptospirosis, and hantavirus. When present on food contact surfaces, preparation equipment, and dry storage areas, these contaminants create vectors for foodborne illness transmission.

Seasonal Pattern

Edmonton restaurants typically experience increased rodent pressure during autumn and winter months as external temperatures drop. Proper pest management requires year-round monitoring rather than seasonal treatment.

Comparative Cases

While the Cosmic Pizza closure represents a significant 2024 enforcement action, other Canadian markets have faced similar issues. The Chuck E. Cheese Whitby location faced separate health scrutiny, though involving different violation types. Edmonton health authorities maintain inspection protocols comparable to those in other major Canadian cities.

When Did the Edmonton Restaurant Mouse Infestation Occur?

Pre-November 2024: Cosmic Pizza operates at 5021 22nd Avenue SW with routine food service.
November 21, 2024: AHS inspectors conduct routine inspection and document heavy rodent infestation.
November 21, 2024: Closure order issued immediately upon discovery of live mouse and contamination.
November 2024: Daily Hive reports on closure and requests comment from restaurant management.
Post-Closure: Remediation required before reopening approval.

Source: Daily Hive Edmonton

What Is Confirmed vs Uncertain About the Edmonton Restaurant Mouse Infestation?

Established Facts

Cosmic Pizza ordered closed November 21, 2024
Heavy rodent infestation confirmed by AHS
Live mouse observed during inspection
Specific contamination locations documented including dining areas
Multiple food safety violations identified
Restaurant declined media comment

Unclear Information

Current reopening status following remediation
Specific timeline for pest control implementation
Whether customers reported illness prior to closure
Duration of infestation prior to discovery
Status of franchise relationship with corporate office

How Does This Incident Fit Into Edmonton’s Restaurant Safety Landscape?

The Cosmic Pizza closure represents one of the more severe enforcement actions taken by Edmonton health authorities in 2024. Alberta Health Services conducts regular inspections of approximately 5,000 food establishments in the Edmonton zone, with closures reserved for imminent health hazards.

Verification Resource

Diners can verify current health inspection statuses through the provincial database before visiting any food establishment.

Restaurant rodent infestations typically peak during winter months, though most establishments maintain control through integrated pest management programs. The severity of this case, involving contamination of customer dining areas and food storage, exceeded typical violation thresholds.

Health authorities emphasize that such closures protect public health while allowing operators to correct deficiencies. The Global News Edmonton archives document similar enforcement actions, though specific details vary by case severity.

What Are the Official Sources Saying?

Inspectors observed a live mouse and heavy accumulations of urine and droppings behind the customer dining table, at the front counter, on shelving units, behind the deli table and oven, by the mixer, and on food and equipment.

Alberta Health Services Inspection Report, via Daily Hive

Additional violations included flour bags with mouse droppings and urine, “very dirty” food containers not cleaned regularly, visibly undercooked ground beef, mouldy garlic, soiled laundry on counters, improper food storage/protection, lack of manual dishwashing procedures, no cleaning schedule, and unavailable pest control records.

AHS Documentation, November 21, 2024

What Should Diners Know About the Edmonton Restaurant Mouse Infestation?

Diners should verify current operating status through official inspection records before visiting any recently closed establishment. Those who consumed food from the 22nd Avenue location prior to November 21 should monitor for foodborne illness symptoms, though no specific illness outbreak has been confirmed. For travelers concerned about accommodation and dining safety standards, reviewing established hospitality protocols such as those at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe may provide useful comparison points for hygiene expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a viral video showing mice in the Edmonton restaurant?

No verified video shows the Cosmic Pizza infestation. Footage circulating online depicts unrelated rodent incidents, including an Edmonton care home issue and Portage Avenue restaurant closures. Related footage covers different establishments.

Which specific health violations were documented?

Violations included heavy rodent infestation, live mouse observation, contaminated flour bags, undercooked ground beef, mouldy garlic, unsanitary containers, unavailable pest control records, and lack of cleaning schedules.

How does this compare to other restaurant closures?

Similar to Chuck E. Cheese Whitby health investigations, this case involved multiple critical violations requiring immediate closure rather than corrective notices.

Are other Cosmic Pizza locations affected?

No evidence suggests rodent issues at other Cosmic Pizza locations. The chain operates over 22 Alberta locations; the closure was specific to the 22nd Avenue SW Edmonton address.

What should customers do if they ate at the restaurant before closure?

Monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness including nausea, fever, and gastrointestinal distress. Consult healthcare providers if symptoms develop. No specific illness outbreak has been linked to this location.

How can diners check restaurant inspection records?

Alberta Health Services maintains public inspection records through their online portal. Educational content regarding restaurant cleanliness investigations is also available.

When can the restaurant reopen?

Reopening requires completion of remediation, evidence of effective pest control implementation, and follow-up inspection approval from AHS. Specific timelines depend on correction speed and verification protocols.

Did Boston Pizza experience this infestation?

No. Despite online speculation, Boston Pizza locations in Edmonton were not affected. The closure involved Cosmic Pizza at 5021 22nd Avenue SW. Unrelated footage sometimes causes confusion between establishments.