Opening a Food Premises

Are you planning to open a food premises in Elgin County, Oxford County, or the City of St. Thomas? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Review the new food premises checklist

Before contacting Southwestern Public Health (SWPH), start by reviewing the New Food Premises Checklist. This checklist will help you understand what's required and determine if your location is suitable for a food business.

Step 2: Notify SWPH of your intent to open

The Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493) requires you to notify SWPH at least 14 days before opening. To do this:

Complete the Notice of Intent to Operate a Food Premises Form
Submit the form to SWPH

A Public Health Inspector will assist you once your form is received.

Step 3: Check if your location is suitable

Your food must be prepared in an approved facility. To ensure your building is suitable:

Use the New Food Premises Checklist to review key factors like layout, equipment, and safety measures.
If you're buying an existing food premises, confirm it meets current regulations.

Watch this video to learn more about selling prepared foods in the region.

Step 4: Create a food safety management plan

To keep food safe and prevent illnesses, develop a Food Safety Management Plan. This plan helps you:

Follow proper food safety practices
Check that you're preventing foodborne illnesses

You are responsible for ensuring your plan is used correctly and is effective. Visit SWPH’s Food Safety Resources for Operators for templates and helpful tips.

Special considerations

Home-based food premises

You can operate a food business from home, but there are rules to follow:

Separate space: Your food premises can’t be in a room that’s part of your living space, like your personal kitchen.
No pets: Animals aren’t allowed in the food preparation area (service animals are an exception).
Municipal approval: Check with your local municipality to see if home-based businesses are allowed and if you need a business license.

A Public Health Inspector will confirm these steps during your pre-opening inspection.

Preparing low-risk or prepackaged foods

If you're only handling low-risk or prepackaged foods, some requirements don’t apply, like:

A dedicated handwashing sink
A mechanical dishwasher or a three-compartment sink
Certified food handlers

However, you still need:

A nearby sink for handwashing
Dishwashing facilities if using reusable dishes
Food Handler Certification (optional but encouraged)

Mobile food premises (food trucks and trailers)

Mobile food premises, like food trucks or carts, have specific requirements:

Food preparation must happen inside the vehicle.
Use single-use plates, cups, and cutlery.
Have separate tanks for clean water and wastewater.
Gauges to measure water and waste levels.

Check out the Food Premises Reference Document (Health Canada) and Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493) for more details.

Exemptions for food premises

Some organizations are exempt from parts of the regulation, including:

Religious groups and community events

If you’re running a bake sale or a special event:

Post a sign stating that the premises is not inspected by public health.
Notify SWPH about the event. More details are on the Special Events page.

Farmers' markets

Farmers selling their own products at markets are exempt, but:

You still need to notify SWPH. Visit the Markets page for more information.

Boarding houses

If you’re serving food to fewer than 10 boarders, you're exempt.

Special foods to know about

Raw milk

Selling raw milk is illegal in Ontario because it can cause illness. Learn more in the Ontario Food Premises Regulation.

Ungraded eggs

In Ontario it is illegal to store, handle, serve, process, prepare, display, distribute, transport, offer for sale or sell ungraded or Grade “C” eggs. For more information, please refer to the following resources:

Southwestern Public Health (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday)

St. Thomas Site
(Administrative office)
1230 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9

Woodstock Site
410 Buller Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 4N2

Call us toll free: 1-800-922-0096
Email us