Food served or sold at community festivals, fundraising events, and farmers' markets are an important part of local life in communities across Ontario. Before planning your event, take the time to do some careful food safety planning.  Food safety is everyone’s responsibility. 

Food

If you are planning to sell or offer food to people at a special event in the community, you must notify Northeastern Public Health (NEPH) no later than 15 days prior to the event. Applications can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at your local health unit office.

As of July 1, 2018, the Food Premises Regulation requires that there is at least one food handler or supervisor onsite at special events that must follow the regulation who has completed food handler training. To view available options for obtaining food handler training, see our Become a Certified Food Handler section.

Your public health inspector will review your application and explain the health regulations that are in place to help prevent food-borne illnesses caused by improper food handling, storage, and preparation. We look forward to working with you toward a safe and successful event.

Personal Service Settings

If you are planning to operate at a special event in the community, you must notify Northeastern Public Health (NEPH) no later than 15 days prior to the event. Applications can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at your local health unit office.

Special Event Application- Personal Service Settings please call 1-877-442-1212

Your public health inspector will review your application and explain the health regulations that are in place to help prevent any infection control issues and ensure compliance with Ontario Regulation 136: Personal Service Settings. We look forward to working with you toward a safe and successful event.

Farmers’ Markets are a great way to encourage people to buy locally and to support their community. Food, however, can be a vehicle for many germs, some of which can cause foodborne illness and make people very sick.

Notification and application forms from both market organizers and vendors must be made at least 15 days prior to the start of the market. Applications can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at your local health unit office.

  • Organizer Application or Vendor Application (please call 1-877-442-1212)
  • Operating Guidelines for a Farmers' Markets (please call 1-877-442-1212)
  • Organizer section only (please call 1-877-442-1212)
  • Vendor section only (please call 1-877-442-1212)

Your public health inspector will review your application and discuss the health regulations that are applicable to you. We look forward to working with you toward a safe and successful event.

If you have any questions or concerns about Special Events or Farmers' Markets, contact a public health inspector at 1-877-442-1212.