Those who operate a home-based food business in St. Thomas or Elgin county are urged to contact the health unit to ensure they are compliant with provincial legislation.
Amy Pavletic, Manager of Environmental Health at Southwestern Public Health advises home businesses preparing and selling food to the public should review their online checklist for new food premises and then contact the health unit by completing a notice of intent to operate such a business, before opening.
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.”
She reminds it is the law in Ontario that food sold or served to the public must be prepared in an approved facility, which entails an inspection by the health unit.
Food service operators who have not yet worked out to public health can call 1-800-922-0096 or email environmentalhealth@swpublichealth.ca.
Written by: Ian McCallum
