Back to Search
MEDIA RELEASE
September 12, 2023
Public Health Unit Encourages Home-Based Food Businesses to Reach Out about Legislative Compliance
The Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O.Reg 493) requires that anyone planning to operate a food premises contact their local public health unit at least 14 days prior to opening.
Southwestern Public Health’s Public Health Inspectors would like to hear from home-based food businesses operating in Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas who have not yet connected with the region’s public health unit.
“Home businesses preparing and selling food to the public should review our online checklist for new food premises and then contact our team by completing a notice of intent to operate a food premises form before they open,” says Amy Pavletic, Manager of Environmental Health. “If people are currently operating without an inspection, we ask them to reach out so we can help them determine if they are compliant with provincial legislation.”
It is law in Ontario that food that is sold or served to the public must be prepared in an approved facility. The requirements for a food premises change based on the types of food being prepared. Unfortunately, not every home kitchen is suitable for operating a food premises and those businesses will be asked to find a new location to operate from, or to close.
Food service operators can face enforcement action if the Food Premises Regulation, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, is not followed. This includes operating without an inspection and approval from Southwestern Public Health.
Recently in the St. Thomas Provincial Offences Court, a home-based food business operator plead guilty to a breach of a Section 13 Order issued by Southwestern Public Health and a probation order was entered.
“The Environment Health team takes an education first approach” adds Pavletic. “We want to work with food business operators, using all the resources available to us, to make sure your business is compliant right from the start.”
Food service operators who have not yet reached out to public health can call 1-800-922-0096 or email environmentalhealth@swpublichealth.ca.
-30-
About Southwestern Public Health
Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness, and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.
To Request an Interview:
Megan Cornwell
Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health
(519) 320-0819 (Mobile)
Subscribe