Food at Events
Food Safety
See the Special Events and Farmers’ Market section of our website to help you handle food safely at events. There you will find:
- Special event notification forms for event coordinators and food vendors.
- Notification forms for farmers’ market boards/managers and food vendors at farmer’s markets.
- Special Event Guidelines with minimum number of washrooms recommended for your event.
- Food Vendor Checklist
- Animal exhibit/petting zoo sign and health and safety practices.
- Have questions? Call 1-800-660-5853 and ask for Community Health Protection.
Ontario Regulation 493/17 Food Premises (O. Reg. 493/17: FOOD PREMISES (ontario.ca)) exempts certain farmers’ markets from being subject to compliance with the Regulation. The Health Unit will conduct an assessment by reviewing an inventory of all vendors, including non-food vendors, signed up for the market for the current season. The exemption may apply to certain farmers’ markets if greater than 50% (51%) of the vendors are producers of farm products who are primarily selling or offering for sale their own products intended for use as food. Compliance with the Health Protection and Promotion Act will still apply to ensure the safety of food for sale at the market.
Healthy Eating
For strategies on offering a variety of nutritious food and beverage options from Canada’s food guide at your event, see the “Healthy Eating in the Community” webpage.
Cut down on waste, including food waste and increase composting. Use re-usable dishware, cutlery, and tablecloths. Encourage participants to bring their own re-usable items such as water bottles, mugs, or bags.
Protect participants from their food allergens and make efforts to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Parents have the right to breastfeed anywhere, anytime.
This right is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
An event team member who is breastfeeding and returning to work has a right under the Ontario Human Rights Commission to be accommodated in the workplace so that they can continue to breastfeed their baby. Here you will find more information on policies to support a family-friendly workplace.