FOOD PREMISES

Health Protection and Promotion Act
Loi sur la protection et la promotion de la santé

R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 562

Amended to O. Reg. 502/01

FOOD PREMISES

Historical version for the period December 18, 2001 to March 28, 2004.

This Regulation is made in English only.

PART I
INTERPRETATION

1. (1) In this Regulation,

“catering vehicle” means an itinerant food service premise in which no food is prepared other than hot beverages and french fried potatoes;

“corrosion-resistant material” means any material that maintains its original surface characteristics after,

(a) repeated exposure to food, soil, moisture or heat, or

(b) exposure to any substance used in cleansing and sanitizing;

“egg grading station” means an egg grading station registered under the Canada Agricultural Products Act;

“egg processing station” means an egg product processing station registered under the Canada Agricultural Products Act;

“eggs” means raw eggs in the shell;

“employee” means any person who,

(a) is employed in a food premise, and

(b) handles or comes in contact with any utensil or with food during its preparation, processing, packaging, service, storage or transportation;

“food contact surface” means any surface that food comes in contact with in a food premise;

“food service premise” means any food premise where meals or meal portions are prepared for immediate consumption or sold or served in a form that will permit immediate consumption on the premises or elsewhere;

“Grade ‘C’ eggs” means eggs that are graded “Canada C” as defined in the regulation under the Canada Agricultural Products Act;

“hazardous food” means any food that is capable of supporting the growth of pathogenic organisms or the production of the toxins of such organisms;

“locker plant” means any food premise in which individual lockers are rented or offered for rent to the public for the storage of frozen foods;

“manufactured meat product” means food that is the product of a process and that contains meat as an ingredient and includes meat that is processed by salting, pickling, fermenting, canning, drying or smoking or otherwise applying heat or to which edible fats, cereals, seasonings or sugar have been added;

“mobile preparation premises” means a vehicle or other itinerant food premise from which food prepared therein is offered for sale to the public;

“multi-service article” means any container or eating utensil that is intended for repeated use in the service or sale of food;

“official method” means a method used by a laboratory established under section 79 of the Act for the laboratory examination of food;

“pre-packaged foods” means food that is packaged at a premise other than the premises at which it is offered for sale;

“sanitizing” means antimicrobial treatment, and “sanitize” has a corresponding meaning;

“selling” includes automatic vending;

“serving” includes self-service;

“single-service article” means any container or eating utensil that is to be used only once in the service or sale of food;

“single-service towel” means a towel that is to be used only once before being discarded or laundered for reuse;

“utensil” means any article or equipment used in the manufacture, processing, preparation, storage, handling, display, distribution, sale or offer for sale of food except a single-service article;

“vending machine” means any self-service device that upon insertion of a coin, coins or tokens, automatically dispenses unit servings of food either in bulk or in package form. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 1 (1).

(2) A reference in this Regulation to the medical officer of health or the public health inspector means the medical officer of health or the public health inspector, as the case may be, of the board of health in the health unit in which the food premise referred to is situate. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 1 (2).

PART II
ESTABLISHMENT

Exemptions

2. (1) This Regulation applies to all food premises except,

(a) boarding houses that provide meals for fewer than ten boarders;

(b) a food premise to which Regulation 554 or 568 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 applies; and

(c) churches, service clubs and fraternal organizations that,

(i) prepare and serve meals for special events for their members and personally invited guests, and

(ii) conduct bake sales. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 2 (1).

(2) No person shall operate or maintain a food premise to which this Regulation applies except in accordance with this Regulation. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 586/99, s. 1.

3. (1) The following retail food premises are exempt from the provisions of clauses 20 (1) (b) and (c) and sections 68 to 81 where they meet the requirements of subsection (2):

1. Premises where only cold drinks are sold in or from the original container.

2. Premises where only frozen confections are sold in the original package or wrapper.

3. Premises where only hot beverages are prepared and sold.

4. Farms selling only their own farm products in the form of honey, maple syrup, or unprocessed fruits, vegetables and grains.

5. Premises preparing and selling only popped corn, roasted nuts or french fried potatoes.

6. Premises selling only pre-packaged food that is not a hazardous food.

7. Catering trucks. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 3 (1).

(2) A food premise referred to in subsection (1) shall,

(a) use only single-service articles;

(b) provide a supply of single-use commercially packaged moist hand towelettes for the personal hygiene of its employees; and

(c) where it has an eating or drinking area, have an eating or drinking area that does not exceed fifty-six square metres. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 3 (2).

Catering Vehicles

4. (1) All food offered for sale from a catering vehicle shall be pre-packaged except for hot beverages and french fried potatoes. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 4 (1).

(2) Every catering vehicle shall be equipped with mechanically refrigerated storage and display facilities that shall be used for holding hazardous foods. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 4 (2).

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to vehicles from which only frozen confections in the original package or wrapper are sold. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 4 (3).

Mobile Preparation Premises

5. (1) Mobile preparation premises are exempt from the provisions of sections 68 and 69, but where a mobile preparation premises provides sanitary facilities for its employees the sanitary facilities shall be in compliance with sections 68 and 69. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 5 (1).

(2) In every mobile preparation premises,

(a) food shall be prepared within the premises and served to the public by persons working within the premises;

(b) only single-service articles shall be used;

(c) service doors and windows to the preparation area shall be screened and, when the premise is in motion, tightly closed with a solid material to prevent the entrance of dust and fumes into the food preparation area;

(d) the driver’s compartment shall be completely partitioned from the food preparation area and, where the partition has an access door, the door shall be solid and self-closing;

(e) separate holding tanks shall be provided for toilet and sink wastes; and

(f) every waste tank and water supply tank shall be equipped with an easily readable gauge for determining the waste or water level in the tank. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 5 (2).

(3) Mobile preparation premises where food preparation is limited to the reheating of pre-cooked meat products in the form of wieners or similar sausage products to be served on a bun are exempt from the provisions of clause (2) (a) with respect to the preparation and serving of food to the public by persons positioned within the premises. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 5 (3).

Vending Machines

6. Every vending machine shall be so constructed that,

(a) it is sealed to the floor or is mounted on legs not less than 15 centimetres in height or on casters or rollers that permit ease of movement for cleaning purposes;

(b) service connections through the exterior of the machine are sealed and are such as to prevent or discourage unauthorized disconnection;

(c) door and panel access openings to product and container storage spaces are tight-fitting to prevent the entrance of any contaminating substance or thing;

(d) ventilation louvers and openings are screened against insects by means of screening material of not less than 16 mesh to each 2.54 square centimetres;

(e) any condenser unit forming part of the machine is sealed from product and container storage spaces;

(f) openings by which food is delivered are protected by means of self-closing and tight-fitting doors or covers;

(g) food storage compartments in which spillage may occur are self-draining;

(h) openings into all containers used for the storage of food are provided with covers suitable to prevent contamination from reaching the interior of the container; and

(i) containers and fittings may be disassembled to permit cleaning and sanitizing or so arranged that cleaning and sanitizing solutions can be circulated throughout the fixed system. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 6.

7. Every vending machine shall be provided with,

(a) a potable water supply piped into the machine under pressure where water is an automatically admixed ingredient;

(b) a device that will protect against the entrance of carbon dioxide or carbonated liquid into the water supply system;

(c) automatic controls that will prevent the vending of hazardous foods where,

(i) the temperature of a refrigerated compartment exceeds 7° Celsius, or

(ii) the temperature of a heated compartment falls below 60° Celsius; and

(d) an automatic shut-off control that will prevent the overflow of liquid waste where such wastes are collected inside the vending machine. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 7.

8. The components of a vending machine that come into contact with food shall be cleaned and sanitized in the manner prescribed for utensils under section 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 or 76, as the case may be, and for this purpose mobile or remote cleaning and sanitizing facilities may be used. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 8.

9. The name and telephone number of the operator of the vending machine shall be prominently displayed at vending sites where an employee is not in full-time attendance. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 9.

Locker Plants

10. (1) Every locker plant shall be equipped with,

(a) a facility for the freezing of food prior to storage; and

(b) a locker room for the storage of frozen foods. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 10 (1).

(2) The following temperatures shall be maintained in each of the following rooms or compartments:

1. Room or compartment used only for freezing, minus 18° Celsius or lower with a tolerance up to minus 12° Celsius during the initial stage of freezing food.

2. Locker room, not above minus 18° Celsius with a tolerance up to minus 15° Celsius during periods of public access. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 10 (2).

(3) The temperatures prescribed in subsection (2) shall not prohibit such variations as are necessary during the time required for defrosting operations. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 10 (3).

(4) Every locker room in a locker plant shall be provided with an accurate self-recording thermometer and temperature records shall,

(a) not be used for a period that will exceed one complete rotation of the graph; and

(b) be properly dated and signed by the operator and preserved at the plant for a period of at least one year. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 10 (4).

(5) The locker room or freezing facility of a locker plant shall be used only for the processing or storage of food. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 10 (5).

(6) Every locker plant operator shall keep an accurate record of the name and address of each person renting a locker in a locker plant operated by the operator. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 10 (6).

(7) Every locker room in a locker plant shall be equipped with a conveniently located properly functioning noise alarm for operation by patrons from within the locker room. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 10 (7).

(8) The access door of every locker room shall be fitted with a properly functioning safety lock release so that it can be operated from inside the locker room. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 10 (8).

(9) The records referred to in subsections (4) and (6) shall be made available upon request to the medical officer of health or a public health inspector. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 10 (9).

PART III
GENERAL

Building Maintenance

11. Every food premise shall be operated and maintained such that,

(a) the premises are free from every condition that may,

(i) be a health hazard,

(ii) adversely affect the sanitary operation of the premises, or

(iii) adversely affect the wholesomeness of food therein;

(b) no room where food is manufactured, handled, displayed, distributed, sold or offered for sale, prepared, processed, served, transported or stored is used for sleeping purposes;

(c) a separate room, compartment, locker or cupboard is provided for keeping wearing apparel of employees;

(d) the floor or floor coverings are tight, smooth and non-absorbent in rooms where,

(i) food is manufactured, handled, displayed, distributed, sold or offered for sale, prepared, processed, served, transported or stored,

(ii) utensils are washed, or

(iii) washing fixtures and toilet fixtures are located; and

(e) the walls and ceilings of rooms and passageways may be readily cleaned and may be maintained in a sanitary condition. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 11; O. Reg. 586/99, s. 3.

12. Despite clause 11 (d), carpeting may be used in areas where food is served where the carpeting is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 12.

Lighting

13. The levels of illumination required under the Ontario Building Code shall be maintained during all hours of operation of a food premise. O. Reg. 586/99, s. 4.

14. Revoked: O. Reg. 586/99, s. 4.

Ventilation

15. The ventilation system in every food premise shall be maintained so that the premise does not become a health hazard. O. Reg. 586/99, s. 4.

16. Revoked: O. Reg. 586/99, s. 4.

17. Revoked: O. Reg. 586/99, s. 4.

Equipment

18. Any article or piece of equipment that is used for the manufacture, distributing, sale or offering for sale, preparation, processing, handling, transportation, storage or display of food shall be,

(a) of sound and tight construction;

(b) kept in good repair; and

(c) of such form and material that it can be readily cleaned and sanitized. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 18.

19. (1) Equipment and utensils with which food comes in direct contact shall be,

(a) corrosion-resistant and non-toxic; and

(b) free from cracks, crevices and open seams. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 19 (1).

(2) Despite subsection (1), cutting boards, blocks, tables, bowls, platters and churns of hardwood or other materials may be used where,

(a) such equipment is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition; and

(b) the manner and conditions of their use are not a health hazard. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 19 (2).

20. (1) Every food premise shall be provided with,

(a) a supply of potable water adequate for the operation of the premises;

(b) hot and cold running water under pressure in areas where food is processed, prepared or manufactured or utensils are washed;

(c) a separate handwashing basin in a location convenient for employees in each processing, preparation and manufacturing area, together with supplies of hot and cold water, soap or detergent in a dispenser, and,

(i) clean single-service towels, or

(ii) a continuous cloth roller towel in a mechanical device and a supply of paper towels;

(d) refrigerated space adequate for the safe storage of perishable and hazardous food; and

(e) containers of durable, leakproof and non-absorbent material with tight-fitting or self-closing lids sufficient for storing all garbage and waste in a sanitary manner. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 20 (1).

(2) The basin referred to in clause (1) (c) shall be used only for the handwashing of employees. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 20 (2).

21. Temperature controlled rooms and compartments used for the storage of hazardous foods shall be provided with accurate indicating thermometers that may be easily read. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 21.

22. Racks, shelves or pallets shall be provided for the storage of food and no rack or shelf shall be placed less than fifteen centimetres above the floor. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 22.

23. All food shall be stored on the racks, shelves or pallets referred to in section 22. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 23.

24. Tongs, spoons and scoops of corrosion-resistant and non-toxic material shall be used, wherever possible, to avoid direct hand contact with food. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 24.

25. Revoked: O. Reg. 586/99, s. 5.

Food Handling

26. All food shall be protected from contamination and adulteration. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 26.

27. All hazardous food displayed for sale or service shall be protected against contamination by means of enclosed containers, cabinets, shields or shelves. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 27.

28. Food transported by an operator shall be enclosed in containers or in such other manner as to prevent contamination of the food and to maintain the food at the temperature prescribed in section 32, 33, 34 or 35, as the case may be. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 28.

29. Food containers that are multi-service articles shall,

(a) be constructed of such materials and in such a manner as to be readily cleaned and sanitized; and

(b) not be used for any purpose other than the packaging of food. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 29.

30. (1) Milk served as a beverage shall be offered for sale or served in or from the original container as filled by the processor. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 30 (1).

(2) Subject to subsection (3), milk, cream and edible oil substitutes that are to be used with beverages and cereals shall be added to the beverages and cereals from the original container as filled by the processor. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 30 (2).

(3) A container other than the original may be used when milk, cream or an edible oil substitute accompanies a beverage or cereal in the service of a seated patron, provided that,

(a) the container is filled from the original container immediately prior to serving;

(b) portions remaining at the end of each service are discarded; and

(c) the container is cleaned and sanitized in accordance with section 73, 74, 75, 76 or 77, as the case may be, after each service. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 30 (3).

31. (1) Ice used in the preparation and processing of food or drink shall be made from potable water and shall be stored and handled in a sanitary manner. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 31 (1).

(2) Steam that contacts food during processing or preparation shall be from a potable supply and free of toxic substances. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 31 (2).

32. Hazardous foods in hermetically sealed containers that have not been subjected to a process sufficient to prevent the production of bacterial toxins or the survival of spore-forming pathogenic bacteria shall,

(a) have “Keep Refrigerated” prominently marked on the container; and

(b) be maintained, transported, displayed, stored or offered for sale at an internal temperature not higher than 5° Celsius. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 32.

33. Hazardous foods other than those hermetically sealed foods that have been subjected to a process sufficient to prevent the production of bacterial toxins or the survival of spore-forming pathogenic bacteria shall be distributed, maintained, stored, transported, displayed or sold or offered for sale such that the internal temperature of the food is,

(a) 5° Celsius, or lower; or

(b) 60° Celsius, or higher,

except for such periods of time as may be necessary for the preparation, processing and manufacturing of the food. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s.33.

34. Despite clause 33 (a), eggs may be transported at an internal temperature of 13° Celsius or lower where the eggs are being transported from an egg grading station to,

(a) a wholesaler of eggs;

(b) a retailer of eggs; or

(c) an egg product processing station. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 34.

35. Food that is intended to be transported, displayed, stored, sold or offered for sale in a frozen state shall be frozen to a temperature of minus 18° Celsius or lower and maintained thereafter at a temperature of minus 18° Celsius or lower until sold or prepared for use. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 35.

36. (1) Cans, containers or wrappings of hazardous food shall bear,

(a) a permanent code marking of the manufacturer or processor designating the plant where the food was manufactured or processed; and

(b) the date on which the food was manufactured or an expiry date. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 36 (1).

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply where hazardous food is packaged and sold at retail on the same food premise. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 36 (2).

Meat and Meat Products

37. Manufactured meat products that are customarily eaten without further cooking shall be subjected to a process sufficient to destroy pathogenic bacteria, parasites and the cystic forms of parasites. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 37.

38. (1) Every operator of a premise in which meat products are manufactured shall maintain records of meats received for processing in the premise and the records shall include the kinds of meats, the names and addresses of suppliers, weights and the dates of receipt. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 38 (1).

(2) A record referred to in subsection (1) shall be maintained at the premise for not less than one year from the date of entry of the record. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 38 (2).

39. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), every manufactured meat product that is transported, handled, distributed, displayed, stored, sold or offered for sale at a food premise shall be identified as to the meat processing plant of origin by a tag, stamp or label affixed to the product. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 39 (1).

(2) A bulk packed manufactured meat product that cannot be individually identified under subsection (1) because of its size, shape or consistency may be removed from its container for the purpose of display or sale where the container bears the plant identification referred to in subsection (1). R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 39 (2).

(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a manufactured meat product stored, sold or offered for sale in a retail outlet at the plant of origin. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 39 (3).

40. (1) At a food premise where meat is sold, the only meat permitted to be on the premises is meat that has been obtained from an animal inspected under the Meat Inspection Act or the Meat Inspection Act (Canada) and that has been stamped and labelled under one of those Acts. O. Reg. 502/01, s. 1.

(2) Despite subsection (1), a food premise where meat is sold may have uninspected meat on the premises for the purpose of custom-cutting, wrapping and freezing it for its owner if,

(a) the uninspected meat is stored so that it does not come into contact with inspected meat;

(b) each quarter or larger section of the carcass bears a tag showing the name and address of the owner of the uninspected meat; and

(c) each quarter or larger section of the carcass is legibly stamped “Consumer Owned, Not for Sale” on each of the primal cut areas using ink made from non-toxic edible ingredients and in letters at least 1.25 centimetres in height. O. Reg. 502/01, s. 1.

(3) Despite subsection (1), a food premise located at the Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre may have on the premises uninspected meat from wild moose, wild duck, wild goose, wild caribou, wild muskrat, wild rabbit, wild deer, wild beaver, wild elk and wild muskox if the animal or bird was killed in the course of hunting and if the following conditions are met:

1. The uninspected meat is handled, prepared, processed and stored for the sole purpose of serving it to patients, visitors and staff at the Health Centre.

2. The uninspected meat is handled, prepared, processed and stored so that it does not come into contact with other food before the other food is served.

3. Patients, visitors and staff at the Health Centre are informed in writing each time before they are served uninspected meat that the meat has not been inspected under the Meat Inspection Act or the Meat Inspection Act (Canada) and that meat that has been inspected is available for consumption.

4. Patients, visitors and staff at the Health Centre are informed in writing that meat that has been inspected under the Meat Inspection Act or the Meat Inspection Act (Canada) is always available to be served on the premises. O. Reg. 502/01, s. 1.

41. In a food premise, utensils, equipment and food contact surfaces used in connection with uninspected meat shall be washed and sanitized in accordance with sections 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 81, whichever apply in the circumstances, before being used in connection with any other food, including inspected meat. O. Reg. 502/01, s. 1.

Milk and Milk Products

42. (1) Milk products shall be pasteurized or made from milk that has been pasteurized by heating the milk product to a temperature of at least,

(a) 63° Celsius and holding it at that temperature for not less than thirty minutes;

(b) 72° Celsius and holding it at that temperature for not less than sixteen seconds; or

(c) such temperature other than a temperature referred to in clause (a) or (b) for such period of time that will result in the equivalent destruction of pathogenic organisms and phosphatase. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 42 (1).

(2) A milk product shall be sterilized by heating the milk product to a temperature of 135° Celsius and holding it at that temperature for not less than two seconds, or to such other temperature for such period of time that will result in sterilization. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 42 (2).

43. (1) Milk products other than butter and goat milk shall be deemed to have been pasteurized if the product is negative when tested for the presence of alkaline phosphatase as determined by the official method. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 43 (1).

(2) A milk product shall be deemed to have been sterilized if a sample of the product is free of living organisms as determined by an official method. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 43 (2).

44. Despite subsection 43 (1),

(a) butter shall be deemed to have been made from pasteurized milk or cream if it is negative when tested for the presence of peroxidase as determined by an official method; and

(b) goat milk shall be deemed to have been pasteurized if the recording thermometer chart indicates the milk was heated as required in section 42. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 44.

45. Subsection 18 (2) of the Act does not apply to cheese made from unpasteurized milk if the cheese has been stored at a temperature not lower than 2° Celsius for a period of not less than sixty days following the time of manufacture. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 45.

46. (1) Milk products shall be cooled immediately after pasteurization to a temperature of at least 5° Celsius or less. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 46 (1).

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a milk product that,

(a) is to be further processed prior to packaging, then cooled to 5° Celsius, or less;

(b) has been sterilized and is to be or is aseptically packaged; or

(c) is processed by drying. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 46 (2).

47. (1) Every pasteurizer used for milk products shall be equipped with indicating and recording thermometers that are accurate and may be easily read. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 47 (1).

(2) Every high temperature short time pasteurizer used for milk products shall be equipped with a properly functioning flow diversion valve. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 47 (2).

(3) Recording thermometers shall be moisture proof and easily read. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 47 (3).

48. The temperature of a milk product in a pasteurizer at any time shall be taken as the temperature shown on the indicating thermometer and not the temperature shown by the recording thermometer. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 48.

49. The temperature shown by the recording thermometer shall be checked daily by the operator against the temperature shown by the indicating thermometer and shall be adjusted to read no higher than the temperature shown by the indicating thermometer. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 49.

50. (1) A recording thermometer chart shall not be used for a period that will exceed one complete rotation of the graph. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 50 (1).

(2) A recording thermometer chart shall have the following information noted thereon:

1. The date of operation.

2. The number of the pasteurizer, if more than one is in use, to which the recorder was attached.

3. The temperature of the indicating thermometer at some time corresponding with a marked point in the holding period.

4. The name of product being pasteurized.

5. The signature of the operator. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 50 (2).

(3) Where more than one recording thermometer is in use, each chart shall be numbered in such a manner as to indicate the recording thermometer that was used for the chart. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 50 (3).

(4) A recording thermometer chart shall be kept by an operator for at least three months after it is used. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 50 (4).

51. Sterilized fluid milk products shall be sold in or from containers that bear the words “STERILIZED” or “STERILE” and “REFRIGERATE AFTER OPENING”. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 51.

52. (1) A food premise that repackages milk products not produced in that food premise, shall identify the original processor, packing date and batch number on the containers of repackaged milk products. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 52 (1).

(2) Despite subsection (1), the operator of the food premise may show on the containers of repackaged milk products,

(a) the operator’s name and address or code marking; and

(b) the operator’s “Best Before” or repackaging date,

provided that records are maintained by the operator that identify the original processor, packing date and batch number of the milk products. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 52 (2).

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not authorize the repackaging of fluid milk products. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 52 (3).

53. Despite section 23, cases of fluid milk products may be stored directly on the floor of refrigerated rooms provided that such cases are designed for re-use and do not permit direct contact between the floor and the fluid milk container. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 53.

Eggs

54. (1) No operator of a food premise shall store, handle, serve, process, prepare, display, distribute, transport, offer for sale or sell ungraded or Grade “C” eggs. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 54 (1).

(2) Despite subsection (1), the operator of an egg grading station may store and handle ungraded eggs for the purpose of grading and may sell and transport Grade “C” eggs to an egg processing station. O. Reg. 518/93, s. 1.

(3) Revoked: O. Reg. 518/93, s. 1.

55. Revoked: O. Reg. 518/93, s. 2.

Maintenance

56. Furniture, equipment and appliances in any room or place where food is manufactured, stored, handled, displayed, distributed, sold or offered for sale, prepared, processed or served shall be so constructed and arranged as to permit thorough cleaning and the maintaining of the room or place in a clean and sanitary condition. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 56.

57. (1) Garbage and wastes shall be removed from a food premise at least twice weekly or as often as is necessary to maintain the premise in a sanitary condition. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 57 (1).

(2) Garbage receptacles in a room or place where food is manufactured, prepared, handled, processed, displayed, sold or offered for sale, served or stored shall be,

(a) cleaned and sanitized after each use;

(b) removed from the room when full; and

(c) except where a daily collection service is provided, placed in a separate room or place, compartment or bin so constructed and maintained as to exclude insects and vermin and prevent odours and health hazards on the premises. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 57 (2).

(3) All liquid waste from the operation of a food premise shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 57 (3).

58. Cooking equipment shall be,

(a) provided with a shield, canopy or other device of corrosion-resistant, non-absorbent and readily cleanable material; or

(b) placed so as to protect walls, ceilings and equipment from grease and food particles. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 58.

59. Every operator of a food premise shall ensure that in respect of the food premise,

(a) the food premise is swept and cleaned in such a manner as to prevent contamination of food;

(b) no cup, glass, dish or utensil that is chipped or cracked is used in the preparation, service or storage of food;

(c) containers, caps, covers and wrapping materials used in the packaging of food shall be made from materials that,

(i) are non-toxic, and

(ii) will prevent contamination or adulteration of the food or milk;

(d) single-service containers and single-service articles are kept in such a manner and place as to prevent contamination of the containers or articles;

(e) every room where food is manufactured, prepared, processed, handled, served, displayed, stored, sold or offered for sale is kept free from,

(i) materials and equipment not regularly used in the room, and

(ii) subject to section 60, live birds and animals;

(f) dispensing scoops and dippers for ice cream, frozen confections or desserts are kept in a dipper-well with running water between servings, or in any other manner that will prevent bacterial growth;

(g) the surface of equipment and facilities other than utensils that come in contact with food are washed and sanitized as often as is necessary to maintain such surfaces in a sanitary condition; and

(h) the floors, walls and ceilings of every room where food is manufactured, handled, displayed, prepared, processed, served or stored, sold or offered for sale are kept clean and in good repair. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 59.

60. Subclause 59 (e) (ii) does not apply to,

(a) a dog serving as a guide for a blind person;

(b) live birds or animals offered for sale on food premises other than food service premises where the medical officer of health has given approval in writing for the keeping of the birds or animals on the premises; or

(c) live aquatic species displayed or stored in sanitary tanks on food premises. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 60.

61. Table covers, napkins or serviettes used in the service of food shall be clean and in good repair and multi-service napkins and serviettes shall be laundered before each use. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 61.

62. Cloths and towels used for washing, drying or polishing utensils or cleaning tables shall be,

(a) in good repair;

(b) clean; and

(c) used for no other purpose. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 62.

63. Toxic and poisonous substances required for maintenance of sanitary conditions shall be,

(a) kept in a compartment separate from food so as to preclude contamination of any food, working surface or utensil;

(b) kept in a container that bears a label on which the contents of the container are clearly identified; and

(c) used only in such manner and under such conditions that the substances do not contaminate food or cause a health hazard. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 63.

Personnel

64. Revoked: O. Reg. 586/99, s. 5.

65. (1) Every operator or employee who handles or comes in contact with food or with any utensil used in the manufacture, storage, display, sale or offering for sale, preparation, processing or service of food shall,

(a) not use tobacco while so engaged;

(b) be clean;

(c) wear clean outer garments;

(d) subject to subsection (2), wear headgear that confines the hair;

(e) wash his or her hands before commencing or resuming work and after each use of a toilet, urinal or privy;

(f) be free from any infectious agent of a disease that may be spread through the medium of food; and

(g) submit to such medical examinations and tests as are required by the medical officer of health to confirm the absence of an infectious agent mentioned in clause (f). R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 65 (1).

(2) Clause (1) (d) does not apply to servers, hosts, server’s assistants, bartenders or other employees whose activities are usually confined to the serving of food to customers. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 65 (2).

66. A person who has a skin disease shall not perform any work that brings him or her into contact with food unless he or she has obtained the approval of the medical officer of health in writing before handling food. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 66.

67. Every operator of a food premise shall, in respect of the food premise, ensure the availability of the clean outer garments and headgear prescribed in subsection 65 (1) and shall ensure compliance with sections 65 and 66. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 67.

PART IV
SANITARY FACILITIES

General

68. (1) Every food premise shall provide at least one sanitary facility for each sex in accordance with this section but nothing in this section applies with respect to a vehicle that is used for the transporting of food or a catering vehicle. O. Reg. 586/99, s. 6.

(2) Every sanitary facility in a food premise shall,

(a) have a sign clearly indicating the sex for which it is intended;

(b) be kept clean, sanitary and in good repair at all times. O. Reg. 586/99, s. 6.

(3) Every sanitary facility in a food premise shall be equipped with,

(a) a supply of toilet paper;

(b) a constant supply of hot and cold running water;

(c) a supply of soap or detergent in a dispenser;

(d) a durable, easy-to-clean receptacle for used towels and other waste material; and

(e) a continuous cloth roller towel in a mechanical device, a supply of paper towels, a supply of clean single service towels or a hot air dryer. O. Reg. 586/99, s. 6.

(4) Washbasins, urinals and toilets shall be cleaned and sanitized at least once every work day and as often as is necessary to maintain them in a sanitary condition. O. Reg. 586/99, s. 6.

(5) Washbasins may be equipped with a tepid water supply from a single tap. O. Reg. 586/99, s. 6.

(6) Access doors to sanitary facilities and toilet cubicles shall not be locked or equipped with coin or token operated unlocking devices except that cubicles with toilets in excess of the minimum number of toilets required by the Ontario Building Code may be equipped with such locking devices. O. Reg. 586/99, s. 6.

(7) A food premise where water-flush toilets could not be installed is exempt from the requirements of clauses (3) (b), (c) and (e) if, pursuant to a permit issued under the Building Code Act, 1992, non-flush toilets or privies completely separate from the food premise were constructed, and such facilities are lighted and provided with commercially-packaged single-use moist towelettes. O. Reg. 586/99, s. 6.

Employees

69. No operator of a food premise shall alter the floor space, number of toilets or washbasins in a sanitary facility without first receiving approval in writing from a Public Health Inspector having jurisdiction in the municipality in which the food premise is located. O. Reg. 586/99, s. 6.

Patrons of Food Service Premises

70. If a food service premise is operated in conjunction with an exhibition, fair, carnival, sports meeting or amusement park located in the same building or on the same grounds, public sanitary facilities may be used as an alternative to facilities that are part of a food service premise as long as the facilities are open when the premise is open. O. Reg. 586/99, s. 6.

Cleaning and Sanitizing of Utensils

71. (1) Multi-service articles shall be cleaned and sanitized after each use. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 71 (1).

(2) Utensils other than multi-service articles shall be cleaned and sanitized as often as is necessary to maintain them in a clean and sanitary condition. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 71 (2).

(3) Equipment for pasteurization, sterilization and subsequent handling of milk and milk products shall be sanitized immediately prior to use. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 71 (3).

72. (1) Equipment and facilities for the cleaning and sanitizing of utensils shall consist of,

(a) mechanical equipment; or

(b) equipment for washing by hand consisting of,

(i) a three compartment sink or three sinks, of corrosion-resistant material of sufficient size to ensure thorough cleaning and sanitizing of utensils, or

(ii) a two-compartment sink or two sinks, of corrosion-resistant material for the cleaning and sanitizing of utensils where washing and rinsing can be done effectively in the first sink and the second sink is used for sanitizing as described in subsection 75 (1), and

(iii) drainage racks of corrosion-resistant material. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 72 (1); O. Reg. 586/99, s. 7 (1).

(2) Revoked: O. Reg. 586/99, s. 7 (2).

(3) Subclause (1) (b) (ii) does not apply to the cleaning and sanitizing of multi-service articles. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 72 (3).

73. Utensils shall be,

(a) scraped or rinsed;

(b) cleaned;

(c) rinsed; and

(d) sanitized. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 73.

74. Where equipment for washing by hand is used, utensils shall be,

(a) cleaned in a sink in a detergent solution capable of removing soil;

(b) rinsed in a second sink in clean water at a temperature not lower than 43° Celsius; and

(c) sanitized in a third sink. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 74.

75. (1) Utensils shall be sanitized by,

(a) immersion in clean water at a temperature of at least 77° Celsius, or more, for at least forty-five seconds;

(b) immersion in a clean chlorine solution of not less than 100 parts per million of available chlorine at a temperature not lower than 24° Celsius for at least forty-five seconds;

(c) immersion in a clean quaternary ammonium compound solution of not less than 200 parts per million at a temperature not lower than 24° Celsius for at least forty-five seconds;

(d) immersion in a clean solution containing not less than twenty-five parts per million of available iodine at a temperature not lower than 24° Celsius for at least forty-five seconds; or

(e) immersion in any solution containing a sanitizing agent that is non-toxic and that provides a bactericidal result not less than the result provided by clause (a), (b) or (c) and for which a convenient test reagent is available. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 75 (1).

(2) A test reagent for determining the concentration of sanitizer and an accurate thermometer to determine the temperature of the sanitizing solution shall be readily available where the sanitizing takes place. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 75 (2).

76. Despite sections 74 and 75, utensils, other than utensils that come into direct contact with a milk product or ready to eat food, may be cleaned and sanitized in one operation provided that,

(a) the chemical product used is designed for that purpose;

(b) the product container bears directions for use indicating optimum temperature and exposure times;

(c) the product is used in accordance with the directions for use;

(d) a test reagent is readily available on the premises to determine the concentration of the sanitizing agent; and

(e) the utensils so treated are completely rinsed with clean water. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 76.

77. Mechanical equipment shall be,

(a) so constructed, designed and maintained that,

(i) the wash water is sufficiently clean at all times to clean the dishes and is maintained at a temperature not lower than 60° Celsius or higher than 71° Celsius, and

(ii) the sanitizing rinse is,

(A) water that is maintained at a temperature not lower than 82° Celsius and is applied for a minimum of ten seconds in each sanitizing cycle, or

(B) a chemical solution described in clause 75 (1) (b), (c), (d) or (e); and

(b) provided with thermometers that show wash and rinse temperatures and that are so located as to be easily read. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 77.

78. A food premise is exempt from the provisions of section 77 where the medical officer of health is satisfied that the use of any other machine or device will effectively clean and sanitize utensils and result in a bacterial count on the utensils within the limit prescribed by section 80. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 78.

79. Where food processing equipment is cleaned and sanitized in place without disassembling the equipment, the operator shall ensure that instructions respecting,

(a) the chemicals used for cleaning and sanitizing;

(b) the strength of the chemical solutions used;

(c) the length of time the equipment was exposed to the chemicals; and

(d) the procedures used for cleaning and sanitizing the equipment,

are posted in a place accessible to the person carrying out the cleaning and sanitizing. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 79.

80. The standard plate count from a multi-service article shall not exceed 100 bacterial colonies after cleaning and sanitizing and prior to re-use when tested by an official method in accordance with the standard plate test, utilizing the swab technique. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 80.

81. Utensils that have been cleaned and sanitized shall be transported and stored in such a manner as to prevent contamination. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 81.

82. Where a utensil is so large as to preclude washing and sanitizing by means of sinks or other machines, it shall be washed or scrubbed with a detergent solution, rinsed with clean water and,

(a) sprayed or rinsed with hot water or steam in a manner that creates a temperature of not less than 82° Celsius on the treated surface; or

(b) sprayed or rinsed with a chemical solution of a type described in subsection 76 (1) at double the strength that is set out in the product directions. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 562, s. 82.