Markham Woman Considers Legal Action After Alleged Cockroach Incident at Tim Hortons
A Markham woman claims to have found a cockroach in her iced coffee from a Tim Hortons location in Scarborough. She is now considering legal action against the restaurant.
Right photo: A cockroach spotted in a cup of iced coffee. (Photo by Subhana Pira)
Incident Details
On March 10, 2025, Subhana Pira visited the Tim Hortons at 4 Lebovic Ave. in Scarborough with a group of friends. They ordered four drinks, and Pira started consuming hers before noticing a cockroach in her beverage. She reported feeling immediate nausea and vomiting and claimed that others in her group also became sick.
An employee, who identified himself as a supervisor, stated in a recorded conversation that cockroaches sometimes appear in pre-packaged iced coffee packets. Pira and her friends immediately canceled the fourth drink and demanded refunds, which staff granted.
Health and Safety Concerns
According to Health Canada, cockroaches can contaminate food and spread disease by transferring bacteria from unsanitary surfaces. The agency warns that their droppings and body parts can trigger asthma reactions.
Pira reported the incident to Toronto Public Health (TPH), which conducted an inspection at the restaurant on March 13, 2025. The location received a food safety pass, and Tim Hortons stated that routine third-party inspections have not reported any issues.
Tim Hortons’ Response
The company acknowledged the incident and called the recorded video “concerning”. They assured the public that the coffee’s packaging process follows strict quality controls. The company also confirmed that no similar complaints had been received in recent months.
The business initially offered Pira a $50 gift card, which she declined. Instead, she is seeking $50,000 in compensation, stating that the situation caused severe health issues and emotional distress.
Next Steps and Legal Considerations
Toronto Public Health has yet to release its findings on the complaint. Meanwhile, Tim Hortons is conducting an internal investigation. The restaurant owner has reached out to Pira to discuss the matter further.
Public health concerns remain a priority, and this case highlights ongoing food safety challenges within the restaurant industry.
More….
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/local/article/markham-woman-says-she-found-a-cockroach-in-her-tim-hortons-coffee-and-is-considering-legal-action
- https://dailyhive.com/montreal/tim-hortons-customer-cockroach-coffee
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ontario/comments/1jd3d6f/markham_woman_considering_legal_action_after
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/understanding-maple-washing-in-food-labels
