Please be advised that Southwestern Public Health may not approve Farmers’ Markets, Special Events, or Vendors that submit forms after the respective deadline. Farmers’ Market and Special Event Organizers must submit their forms no later than 20 days prior to the event. Vendors must submit their forms no later than 14 days prior to the event. Any late submissions may result in vendors/organizers not being approved by the Health Unit to operate.
Food Safety at Special Events
It is important that food safety is maintained during special events. Please read the information below.
What is a special event?
A special event is an event where food is sold, given or offered to the public, whether it is a charitable or commercial event. It is a temporary event or special occasion rather than an ongoing or long term operation.
When food is offered to the public, it must be prepared safely and the requirements of the Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493/17) must be met. Food vendors are responsible for making sure that all requirements are met, including requirements from other agencies (e.g. Fire Department, TSSA, Municipality, AGCO).
Special Event Notification Forms
Please complete the appropriate online notification form below:
- Special Event Organizer Notification Form - required to be submitted 20 days prior to the event
- Special Event Vendor Notification Form - required to be submitted 14 days prior to the event
See Guidelines for Organizers and Workers at Special Events
Events operated by religious organizations, service clubs or fraternal organizations are exempt from the Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493). Exempt organizations must post a sign stating that the food was prepared in an uninspected kitchen, and they must keep a log of all food items that have been donated with the donators name and contact information (i.e., phone number and address).
Exempt organizations can still be inspected by Public Health Inspectors to ensure that a health hazard does not exist under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Exempt organizations are still required to submit a special event notification form.
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.
What is a Farmers' Market Food Vendor?
A farmers' markets food vendor is an operator of a stall or other food premise that is located at a central location at which a group of persons who operate stalls or other food premises meets to sell or offer for sale to consumers products that include, without being restricted to, farm products, baked goods and preserved foods, and at which the majority of the persons operating the stalls or other food premises are producers of farm products who are primarily selling or offering for sale their own products.
What if I am not a Farmer's Market Food Vendor?
Food vendors that are not farmers' market food vendors can still operate at a market. Please fill out the Special event Vendor Notification Form available above.
If a market consists of greater than 50% of vendors who are farmers' market food vendors, then all vendors are exempt from Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493/17). However, food vendors are still responsible for providing safe food, including ensuring all food is from an approved source.
Food vendors at all other markets must meet the requirements in Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493/17)
Farmers' Market Notification Forms
Please 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.