Health Department guidelines for summer food safety

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13: Department of Health Issues Food Licensing Reminder and Guidelines for Summer Food Safety

As we enter the summer months the Department of Health would like to remind the food vendors that there are certain guidelines that should be adhered to in order to ensure optimal food safety.

It is well-known that the risk of foodborne illness increases during the summer when temperatures are warmer and people are more likely to be eating from temporary food stalls at gatherings, sports and social events.

One way the Department of Health helps to protect public health from such illness is by requiring that vendors obtain a licence to sell food. 

Throughout the year the Department works with food vendors to assure that food is prepared, cooked and sold in hygienic conditions and under proper temperature controls by food handlers who are both healthy and knowledgeable. They also provide advice and food safety training.

Food vendors must obtain a temporary food licence for every gathering, fair or event.  Promoters are asked to organise a list of food stalls in the early stages of planning an event and to include the Department of Health in their planning.

It should be noted that the Department of Health require at least one week’s notice to review the menu and discuss with applicants requirements such as training, equipment, the use of a commercial kitchen to prepare food, potentially hazardous food, and handling large volumes of food. 

For more information on food safety or to obtain application forms for temporary food licences call 278-5333 or email [email protected].