Greenbelt Farmers’ Market Network Market Manager’s Day Wolf Saxler Food Safety Manager April 20, 2016

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets What I will be covering What is the background of a Public Health Inspector (PHI) Legislation ASPHIO Guidance Document What we look for at a farmers’ market (FM) Operational issues/concerns

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets PHI Background Currently a BA or BSc There are 5 universities across Canada teaching the courses. Each PHI must do a minimum of 12 weeks of field training Each PHI must pass a Board of Certification test There are requirements to take professional development credits each year Certified Public Health Inspector (Canada), CPHI(C)

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets Legal Requirements Health Protection & Promotion Act Duty to inspect Definition of a health hazard Section for an Order Appeals Provision to charge for obstruction or hindrance Provision for the taking of samples, evidence and the destruction of food

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets Ontario Food Premises Regulation Sets standards for all food operations Requirements for safe food handling, hot and cold temperatures of food, storage, cleanliness, hand washing, utensil cleaning, cooking temperature, etc. Also has exemptions for FM’s Fixed vs temporary FM’s

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets ASPHIO Guidance Document Also known as Common Approaches for Farmers’ Markets & Exempted Special Events, A Guide for Public Health Units Provides the direction for the process Sets standard for exempt and not exempt markets Sets process, i.e. friendly visit

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets What 3 things won’t we accept Raw milk Ungraded eggs Uninspected meats

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets Types of FM’s Fixed Markets Generally open year round Have food operations indoor The food operations meet the requirements of the Ontario Food Premises Regulation Would have access to power and water

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets Types of FM’s Seasonal Markets Generally open a day per week for a limited time Have food operations mainly outdoors The vendors set up and tear down each day May or may not have access to power and water

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets What do we look for at a FM? Types of food available Cleanliness of the units Food protection Food temperature Food supplier Water supply Hand washing facilities Food handler training/knowledge

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets What makes us nervous? Hazardous foods Hazardous foods not being kept at the right temperature Foods made at home Animals Lack of hand washing facilities Lack of food handler training/knowledge

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets How do you make us less nervous? Have a list of vendors ready Mark off the farm vendors Be supportive Ask us for a summary at the end of our visit

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets What to do when we come. Ask for identification if you don’t know us City/Regional photo ID Badge Business cards Provide us with a list of vendors Have the farm vendors marked

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets Our role during the visit We are there to make sure that people don’t get sick from the food We can provide some education on the spot We may have to condemn food If the situation warrants it, we would close a vendor We will provide you with reasons and justification for our decisions We may just tell you that everything is fine

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets Why we visit To assess the market To determine if a health hazard exists Both the public and Ministry of Health expect us to We may be there because someone complained

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets Other agencies that may come Canadian Food Inspection Agency Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Transportation Municipal Licensing Parks and Recreation Departments Waste & Pollution Control

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets If you are in disagreement Speak with the PHI to ask about their reasoning You can always call and speak to their manager Most municipalities also have a complaint process

Public Health Inspectors & Farmers ’ Markets Questions?