Vendors at craft fairs and community events will no longer require a license to sell preserves, baked goods and other foods considered low risk by public health, says Health and Wellness Minister Carolyn Bertram.
“Community and charitable events are part of the fabric of Prince Edward Island, and often they include the selling of fresh baked goods, cookies, biscuits, pickles and preserves – many of which are made by community members in their own homes,” said Minister Bertram. “By amending this Regulation, we are removing the barriers and permitting private residents to contribute ‘low-risk foods’ as part of non-commercial activities.”
Previously, The Eating Establishments and Licensed Premises Regulations under the Public Health Act required all premises preparing and selling food to the public to hold a valid approval certificate from the province. The regulations did not provide an option to exempt a premise from this licensing process. Today, Minister Bertram announced an amendment to the regulations to exempt non-commercial activities selling “low-risk foods.”
“We understand the importance of the community fundraisers, craft fairs and other non-commercial events which take place all across our One Island Community,” said Minister Bertram. “This Amendment will help balance the safety concerns for our public health and the community spirit, so enriched by these events.”
Non-commercial activities are those which are infrequent and pose minimal risk to the health of the public, and may include annual church suppers or picnics, annual pancake breakfasts, functions for members only and isolated events for public attendance.
“Low-risk food” means food that is unlikely to contain, and will not support the growth of, pathogenic micro-organisms or toxins. These types of food items, which are high in natural preservatives, are unlikely to cause food-borne illnesses.
Private kitchens preparing high-risk foods for sale to the public or preparing foods for commercial sale will still be subject to the regulations. Prepared foods containing meat or dairy-based products are examples of high risk foods.
The Department of Health and Wellness does offer a Food Safety Program through the Environmental Health Office. Public education, both on-site at establishments and formal classroom training, is an integral part of the food protection program. The primary goal of this program is to prevent food-borne illness through consultation, education and enforcement of regulations.
For more information on the Eating Establishments and Licensed Premises Regulations or the Food Safety Program, contact Environmental Health at 368-4970, toll-free at 1-800-958-6400 or online at www.gov.pe.ca/health/environmentalhealth.