Food Safety

Surrounding food safety, there are two sets of laws a business needs to comply with to produce and handle food safely for public consumption. The provincial food safety laws are set by the Prince Edward Island Food Premises Regulations under the Public Health Act. These laws are in place to keep any food sold in the province to a high calibre highlighted in the Food Premises Regulations. All food businesses need a license to operate, and they must always keep it valid. Under the Federal Laws, Health Canada makes food policies and standards while the Canadian Food Inspection Agency enforces them. 

Prince Edward Island’s Food Premises Regulation (section 24) requires food businesses to employ staff that have obtained Food Handler Certification. 

At a minimum, Prince Edward Island food businesses must comply with the following legislation:  

1. The business license holder is required to complete a Food Handler Certification course.
2. When the license holder is absent from the business, at least one employee with Food Handler Certification is present.
3. Any person who comes into contact with food or food contact surfaces is required to receive food safety training or instruction. 
4. Food Handler Certificates need to be produced for public health officials during an inspection. 

Food safety inspections 

Provincial governments, municipalities and regional health authorities monitor food safety across PEI. Be prepared for Inspectors to visit your business before its opening and then every four to six months after.

Inspectors will request to see Food Handler Certificates and your Food Safety Plan.

They also have the authority to:

1.  enter your business at any time without notice
2. examine any area and equipment in your business
3.  take samples of food or food contaminants
4. issue warning notices and fines
5. close your business immediately 

Information from https://www.foodsafety.ca/laws-requirements/by-location/pei