Opening a Food Premises

Woman hanging an open sign in restaurant window

Notice of intent to operate a food premises

The Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493) requires anyone who plans to operate a food premises in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas to notify Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) at least 14 days prior to opening. This can be done by completing a Notice of Intent to Operate a Food Premises Form.

Notice of Intent to Operate a Food Premises Form

Is your property suitable as a food premises?

Food that is sold or served to the public must be prepared in an approved facility. If you are planning to open a new food establishment or purchasing an existing one, there are several factors you should consider. The Food Premises Checklist will help you determine if a building is suitable for your business.

Are you planning to sell food in our region? Watch this video to learn the rules for selling prepared foods.

Creating a food safety management plan

SWPH has developed a Food Safety Management Plan as a reference tool to help owners and operators of food premises. These plans will assist the operator to ensure that all steps are taken to prevent foodborne illness from developing in their premises. It is the responsibility of all operators to evaluate the plan to ensure it is being used properly and is effective.

Mobile food premises

Mobile food premises can include a trailer, cart or vehicle-mounted food premise. For more information and guidelines on operating mobile food premises please refer to the Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493) and Food Premises Reference Document from Health Canada.

Food safety signage and resources

The following signs are available to download and use as educational material in food premises:

For more information, visit safe food handling information and resources from Health Canada.

Special Foods

Raw Milk

Raw milk means milk that has not been pasteurized. The purpose of pasteurizing milk is to kill disease causing bacteria that may be present in raw milk by heating it to a very high temperature. If the milk is not pasteurized it can create the ideal environment to promote the growth of harmful bacteria. These harmful bacteria in raw milk can cause illness to anyone who drinks it.

In Ontario, it is illegal to sell, offer for sale, deliver, or distribute unpasteurized (raw) milk and milk products. For more information, please refer to the following resources:

Ungraded Eggs

In Ontario it is illegal to store, handle, serve, process, prepare, display, distribute, transport, offer for sale or sell ungraded or Grade “C” eggs. For more information, please refer to the following resources:

Food premises inspection exemptions

Some organizations, including churches, service clubs and fraternal organizations are exempt from complying with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493). Exempt organizations are required to post a sign in a prominent location stating the premises is not inspected by public health.

Farmers' markets are not exempt and must complete an organizer or vendor notification form.