Hepatitis A Exposure Alerts Issued for Patrons at Three Tim Hortons Locations in Canada

Public health authorities in Canada have issued warnings regarding potential Hepatitis A exposure at multiple Tim Hortons locations across the country, following confirmed cases of the virus in employees. Incidents have been reported in Barrie, Ontario; Ottawa, Ontario; and Edmonton, Alberta, prompting public advisories and the establishment of vaccination clinics for potentially affected customers. These separate events underscore the ongoing vigilance required in food service hygiene.

In Barrie, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) confirmed a food handler at the Tim Hortons at 181 Livingstone St. E. contracted Hepatitis A. Customers who purchased food or drinks between May 17 and June 3, 2025, were advised of potential exposure, with special immunization clinics offered. While the risk to customers was deemed low, the SMDHU emphasized monitoring for symptoms, which can appear 15 to 50 days post-exposure.

Similarly, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) alerted the public to a "very low risk" of exposure at the Tim Hortons on 372 Hunt Club Rd. after an employee tested positive for Hepatitis A. Patrons who visited the location between November 15 and December 8, 2024, were asked to monitor for symptoms. OPH attributed the low risk to the establishment's adherence to proper hygiene and food preparation protocols.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) also reported a confirmed Hepatitis A case in a food preparer at the Tim Hortons in Millbourne Market Mall, Edmonton. Individuals who consumed items from this location between February 20 and March 5, 2025, were encouraged to seek post-exposure immunization. AHS highlighted that the virus spreads through the fecal-oral route, often due to improper handwashing by an infected individual.

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus typically spread when feces from an infected person enters another person's mouth, often via contaminated food or water. Symptoms, which can include fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice, usually appear 15 to 50 days after exposure. Public health units across these regions have stressed the importance of vaccination and rigorous handwashing as primary preventive measures.