Government has approved updated food safety regulations to protect the health of Islanders, said Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“Most incidents of foodborne illness are associated with improper food handling practices and are preventable,” said Minister Currie. “These regulations were developed in consultation with Restaurants Canada and the Retail Council of Canada, the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island and the PEI Restaurant Association. Together, we are working to keep Islanders and visitors safe.”
The Food Premises Regulations under the Public Health Act came into effect November 1, 2014. Similar to requirements in place for processing agricultural and fish products, operators will be required to document cleaning and sanitizing schedules for the premises, equipment and utensils. As well, the owner/operator or an on-site employee will be required to have a recognized food safety training course.
“The new food safety regulations reflect the best practices being used across Canada to ensure that food is properly stored, handled and served,” said Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. David Sabapathy. “I want to thank those in the local food service industry who provided input during the development of these regulations. We share the same goal: to protect the safety of Islanders by reducing the incidence of foodborne illness.”
These regulations will not apply to food premises operated by religious organizations, service clubs and non-profit organizations where low risk food (such as bread, sweets and preserves) is prepared or served by volunteers for activities of the organization.
Many operations will not see any change in their procedures, but operators of food service premises can contact Environmental Health at the Chief Public Health Office at 902-368-4970 or email envhealth@ihis.org to discuss the how the new food premise regulations may apply to their establishment. For more information: www.gov.pe.ca/health/foodregs