Food operators
Information and resources about the importance of food safety and how to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Peel Public Health food handler course has ended
As of June 30, 2025, our food handler certification course and exams are no longer being offered.
Download Peel’s food handler certification study guide
Update: Peel Public Health food handler course has ended
As of June 30, 2025, our food handler certification course and exams are no longer being offered.
Certification requirements
Under Ontario's O. Reg. 493/17: FOOD PREMISES, every operator of a food service premises must ensure there is at least one person on the premise who has completed the food handler training while it is open.
A Food Handler Certificate demonstrates that a person has the fundamental knowledge and skills required to handle food safely in a food business.
To receive a certificate, you must complete a food handler certification training course and pass an exam with a mark of 70% or higher. Food handler certificates are recognized across Ontario and are valid for 5 years. Expired certificates must be renewed.
Access a list of food handling courses approved by the Ontario Ministry of Health.
You are required to notify Peel Public Health when opening a home-based food business within Peel Region.
Operators of home-based food businesses are also responsible for contacting their local municipality before opening.
Review the details and requirements for home-based food businesses.
If you are opening a new restaurant or food premises in Peel, the Health Protection and Promotion Act of Ontario requires you to notify Peel Public Health at least 14 days before opening.
We must also approve the floor plans for your business.
If you’re making changes to your existing business, such as renovations involving construction, you will need to report these changes to us and submit your plans for review. You must notify us least 14 days before starting construction.
Report a new business or changes to a business
To request a property search for a business inspected by Peel Public Health refer to property information request.
Legislation and other information that applies to your new food premises:
- Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg 493/17)
- Food Check Peel By-law – disclosure sign posting
- Healthy Menu Choices Act, 2015
- Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017
- Region of Peel Waterpipe Smoking By-law
- Ontario Fire Code
- Ontario Building Code
- Ontario Liquor License
- Brampton business licensing
- Caledon business licensing
- Mississauga business licensing
Special event organizers, event vendors and farmers' market organizers and food vendors need to complete an application and submit it to Peel Public Health at least 15 days before the event.
On January 1, 2020, amendments were made to the Ontario Food Premises Regulation 493/17 to reduce burden and increase flexibility for programs that prepare or serve low-risk or pre-packaged, ready-to-eat foods only.
Review food safety information for before-after school programs and child nourishment programs about general practice, hand washing facilities, dishwashing, cleaning and sanitizing, food handling and certification.
Food allergy reactions can be prevented. Giving customers accurate ingredient information and using allergy-safe food handling procedures will help to protect customers at your restaurant.
Resources
These resources are intended for printing.
- Checklist for food operators to pass inspections
- Food safety at special events guidelines
- Food premises cleaning schedule
- Handwashing poster
- Prevent illnesses poster
- Cooking and reheating temperatures for hazardous foods
- Store food safely
- Safe food temperatures
- Cool foods quickly and safely
- Be aware: prepare safe food
- Food safety after a fire
- Food safety during a power outage
Cleaning and sanitizing 2 compartment sink method
- English: 2 compartment sink method
- 清洁和消毒：2隔间水槽法 (Chinese)
- सफाई और स्वच्छता: 2 कम्पार्टमेंट सिंक विधि(Hindi)
- ਸਾਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਕੀਟਾਣੂੰ ਮੁਕਤ ਕਰਨਾ: 2 ਕੰਪਾਰਟਮੈਂਟ ਸਿੰਕ ਵਿਧੀ (Punjabi)