Public Health is Here for Food Business Operators

food operaters

Do you operate a food business in York Region?

Whether you are thinking about opening a franchise or already operate a home-based food business, York Region Public Health is here to help you! We are committed to supporting York Region food premise operators so that you can provide safe and delicious food options to your customers.

York Region Public Health is here to help!

York Region Public Health is dedicated to supporting food operators in their efforts to provide safe and delicious food to the public. The team at York Region Public Health works closely with food operators, offering support, information, and resources to ensure compliance with food safety legislation. This support not only ensures the well-being of our community but also helps food operators avoid costly consequences that may arise from non-compliance.

If you are opening a food premises, notify us.

Anyone planning to open a new food premises (including a new home-based business), must notify York Region Public Health before operating their business by:

  1. Submitting the New Food Premises Notification Form or
  2. Contacting York Region Health Connection 1-800-361-5653 Ext. 4.

When notifying Public Health, owners/operators must submit floor plans for the proposed food premises. The floor plans must include:

  • All room dimensions
  • Location of equipment
  • Location of all sinks (dishwashing, handwashing and janitorial)
  • Locations of all washrooms
  • Location of ventilation equipment
  • Location of grease traps
  • Description of materials to be used on floors, walls, ceiling, counters, shelves, etc.
  • Location and type of well (e.g., drilled or dug)
  • Location of sewage system (if applicable)

Home-Based Food Businesses

Home-based food businesses are increasing in popularity in York Region. However, if you operate a food business in your home and sell to the public through delivery, pick-up or a retailer, you must notify York Region Public Health of your intent to operate. Home-based food businesses are required to adhere to the same legislation as other food premises and must be inspected by York Region Public Health. By notifying us, we can work together to ensure that your home-based food business operates safely, while avoiding costly tickets or renovations.

What is a Food Premise?

A food premise is a location where food or milk is manufactured, processed, prepared, stored, handled, displayed, distributed, transported, sold or offered for sale. They can include restaurants, banquet halls, home-based food businesses, convenience stores and food trucks. Even if you sell food through Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, TikTok or an online website, you are still considered a food premise and must notify York Region Public Health. If you sell to or manufacture food or milk for the public, then you are considered a food premise.

To learn more, visit york.ca/FoodOperators