Please be advised that Southwestern Public Health may not approve Markets or Vendors that submit forms after the respective deadline. Market organizers must submit their forms no later than 20 days prior to the event. Vendors attending a Market must submit their forms no later than 14 days prior to operation. Any late submissions may result in vendors/organizers not being approved by the Health Unit to operate.
Food Safety at Markets
Markets offer a great selection of local food and are inspected by Public Health Inspectors to ensure food safety is maintained. Please read the information below.
Farmers' Markets
A Farmers' Market is a central location where a group of people and/or food vendors meet to sell food products to the public. These food products may include farm products, baked goods, preserved foods and prepared foods that incorporate their own products (also known as value added goods).
To be classified as a Farmers’ Market, greater than 50% (e.g., 50% + 1) of the vendors must sell their own farm products. For example, if there are 20 vendors in a market, 11 vendors must offer for sale their own farm products and at least 50% of these products must be from their own farm.
Farm products means products that are grown, raised or produced on a farm and intended for use as food and include, without being restricted to, fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, meat and meat products, dairy products, honey products, maple products, fish, grains and seeds and seed products.
The Ontario Regulation 493/17: Food Premises does not apply to Farmers’ Markets. However, other relevant legislation such as the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) still apply.
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General Markets
A general market is similar to a farmers’ market except that the majority of the vendors do not sell their own farm products. A general market is when 50% or less of the vendors are selling their own farm products. The Ontario Regulation 493/17: Food Premises applies to these markets as well as the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
For a general market, food vendors are NOT permitted to sell food prepared at an uninspected premises.
Market Notification Forms
Exempt Farmers Markets and General Markets are both required to notify SWPH.
Organizers and vendors MUST complete the appropriate online notification form below:
For more information on Farmers Market Responsibilities and Requirements please visit Farmers Markets Ontario - Food Safety Matters, Roles and Responsibilities.
For more information on selling specific food items please visit Farmers Markets Ontario - Food Safety Matters, Practices and Regulations.