SWPH Calls on Home-Based Food Businesses

Wednesday, 13 September 2023 at 14:13

Home-based food businesses are a topic of attention for Southwestern Public Health. SWPH is asking for anyone looking to start a home-based food business to contact them, as it is the law to be approved by the Health Unit.

OXFORD COUNTY – Home-based food businesses are being reminded to make sure they are following the rules.

Southwestern Public Health has put out the reminder after a home-based food business plead guilty in St. Thomas Provincial Offences Court to a breach of a Section 13 Order issued by Southwestern Public Health. As a result, a probation order was entered.

In a release, Manager of Environmental Health, Amy Pavletic says, “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.”

Pavletic adds, “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.”

The law in Ontario states that any food that is sold or served to the public needs to be done so in an approved facility, and the requirements could change based on what food is being prepared.

Southwestern Public Health says unfortunately not every home kitchen is made for having a food business, and if it happens to be the case, they will be asked to find a new location, or close.

Enforcement can be given to food service operators who do not follow the Food Premises Regulation, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. It includes not getting proper approval from Southwestern Public Health.

In another quote, Pavletic says, “The Environment Health team takes an education first approach” and adds, “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.