Grandma's cookies welcome at this summer's fairs and festivals

14.jul.06
Stoney Creek News
Kevin Werner

Grandma's cookies, mom's apple pie and your aunt's potato salad are allowed to be sold at farmer's markets, bake sales and potluck suppers in Ontario this summer, but Hamilton public health officials are informing community organizations and church groups to post signs indicating whether the foods they serve have been inspected by the public health unit at a previous location.

Bob Hart, the manager of environmental health, was cited as saying a letter and some food preparation information will be sent to religious organizations, service clubs and fraternal organizations explaining the revised provincial food premises regulations made last month, adding, "We want to work collaboratively with the organizations. There's basic common sense to preparing food."

Food identified as high risk includes cakes and pastries with whipped cream, cheese, dairy products, food containing raw eggs, fresh or processed meat and sausages.

The provincial government had amended the Health Protection and Promotion Act to revise guidelines that had not been updated since 1984. The act, which encompassed food storage, handling, sanitation and food preparation, was expanded to include farmer's markets, bake sales, and potluck dinners open to the public and organized by community groups.

But an outcry from Ontario's agricultural community, as well as from churches and other local groups, forced the province to scale back the changes.

The legislation now exempts events such as pot-luck suppers and bake sales. The province will even protect the events from "overly-aggressive inspections" from public health officials.

Mr. Hart said food vendors at community events and festivals will still have to abide by the Health Protection and Promotion Act when it comes to the preparation and storage of meat, unpasteurized milk and eggs.

For a bake sale or potluck, residents can prepare the food in a home, then bring it to the event without any consequences, he said.

"There are basic food guidelines they have to follow," he said.

The province is planning to roll out a $1.5 million campaign to promote safe food handling and preparations at farmer's markets and community events. Mr. Hart said Hamilton hasn't received any information about when the program will begin.