Farmers’ Market Food Safety Inspections
Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is mandated by provincial legislation to perform food safety inspections of all farmers’ market food vendors within our jurisdiction. The purpose of these inspections is to prevent or reduce cases of food-borne illness.
Farmers’ Market Coordinator Application Forms
Each farmers’ market will assign a coordinator to collect and forward information to Peterborough Public Health.
Step 1: Fill out the Vendor List
Step 2: Fill out the Information and Assessment Form
Step 3: Print, sign and submit the completed forms (above) by fax, email, mail or in person to PPH.
Fax: 705-743-1203
Email: info@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
Address: 185 King Street, Peterborough, ON K9J 2R8
Farmers’ Market Exemption
Some farmers’ markets may be exempt from the requirements of the Ontario Food Premises Regulation, 493/17. This exemption applies if more than 50% of the vendors are producers of farm products who are primarily selling their own farm products intended for use as food.
(www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/170493)
PPH will request initial verification from each farmers’ market operator or agent of the farmers’ market, to assess, whether an exemption applies. This assessment should be based on the anticipated peak of the farmers’ market operation and based on the best available information provided by the market operator.
This assessment must consider all vendors including non-food vendors/stalls.
Food Safety at Farmers’ Markets
Food safety inspections must be performed at all farmers’ markets whether or not the Ontario Food Premises Regulation exemption status applies.
In cases where the Ontario Food Premises Regulation does not apply, food safety inspections are conducted under the authority of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. (www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h07)
For more information about local Farmers’ Markets food safety inspections, please click here.
Resources:
- Food Safety Training Manual
- Food Handler Certification Course
- “Food Safety Matters – a manual for farmers’ market vendors, managers and staff”
Farmers’ Markets – Miscellaneous Information
Restricted Products
Some items are never allowed to be sold at any farmers’ market, including:
Food Labelling and Signage Requirements at Farmers’ Markets
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) enforces the legislation surrounding proper labelling and signage requirements for farm products.
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/fruitveg/sellingfruitsvegs.htm
To report concerns regarding improper labelling of farm products, please contact OMAFRA.
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/illegalactivities.htm