Frequently Asked Questions

If your questions have not been addressed by the following, please contact us.

• What are the terms for use of this website?

  Coming soon.

• When searching for inspection reports of food establishments by a "Yellow" color rating, Why do the food establishments that result, show the current inspection status as "Green"?

  When searching inspection reports by color rating, the results that are brought forward are showing the current inspection status of the establishment. By clicking on the food establishment name, more information will be revealed showing the date of the inspection when the yellow sign was issued. Inspectors return to the establishment within 24-72 hours to ensure the infractions are corrected. Re-inspections will occur until a Green (PASS) sign is issued.

• What is DineSafe Lambton?

  DineSafe Lambton is the new food safety inspection disclosure program in Lambton County. The goal is to give the public quick and easy access to the results of food safety inspections.

• What are the benefits of the DineSafe Lambton disclosure program?

  • Helps reduce the risk of food-borne illness
  • Helps improve food safety standards
  • Increases compliance with legislation
  • Increases public access to inspection results

• Will all food establishments be required to post the DineSafe Lambton colored inspection summary signs?

  Yes. All food establishments inspected by Community Health Services Department (CHSD) must post signs that reflect their most recent inspection results. Types of food establishments inspected include:

  • General food service establishments (bars,restaurants, cafeterias, delicatessen, butcher shop, grocery store, banquet hall, catering kitchen, etc.)
  • Institutional food service establishments (e.g. hospitals, school cafeterias, nursing homes, licensed childcare centre kitchens, boarding houses with 10 or more residents, etc.)
  • Mobile food service premises (e.g. hot dog carts, catering vehicles, french fry trucks.)

  The DineSafe Lambton program does not apply to certain community special events (e.g. religious suppers, fairs, etc.), private residences or dwellings, farmer's markets, farm gate sales, or other similar food establishments.

• How is the sign color determined for each food premise?

  Public health inspectors inspect all food establishments to assess whether the operation meets the requirements of the Food Premises Regulation. The public health inspector will enter the findings of each inspection in an electronic database that contains a scoring system. Each requirement of the Food Safety Inspection Report is assigned a value (weight), based on the potential to cause food-borne illness.

  
  The overall score for each food safety inspection is based on the total number and type of infractions observed at the time of the
  inspection. The overall score determines whether a green, yellow or red sign is posted.

• Where will the colored summary sign be posted?

  The coloured sign must to be posted and maintained at all times in a sign holder in a clearly visible and noticeable location at the
  public entrance of the food establishment.

• What does a Green sign mean?

  This sign indicates substantial compliance with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation.

• What does a Yellow sign mean?

  This sign indicates significant non-compliance with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation, which may affect food safety.

• What does a Red sign mean?

  This sign indicates conditions represent an immediate health hazard to the general public.

• What should I do if my colored sign gets damaged or goes missing?

  If a summary sign or sign holder is damaged or goes missing, operators must immediately notify CHSD at 519 383-8331 ext. 3575 or toll free 1-800-667-1839 for a replacement sign.

• How often are food establishments inspected?

  Routine, unannounced compliance inspections are conducted 1-3 times per year, based on a risk assessment that considers the following:

  • Type and volume of food served
  • Type of population served (i.e. the general public, elderly, very young)
  • Number and complexity of food preparation
    steps
  • Food premises history of food-borne illness
    and/or compliance with the Ontario Food
    Premises Regulation

• What do Public Health Inspectors look for during food safety inspections?

  Public health inspectors check that food premises meet the minimum requirements listed in the Ontario Food Premises Reguation. Some key requirements include:

  • Food is maintained at appropriate temperatures during storage, preparation, cooking, holding and service.
  • Food is protected from cross contamination.
  • Food handlers demonstrate good food handling and personal hygiene practices
  • Adequate sanitation and maintenance processes are in place for surfaces and equipment.
  • An effective pest control program is in place.

• Can a food establishment have infractions from a recent inspection and still receive a Green (PASS) sign?

  Yes, it is possible for a food establishment to have infractions and still receive a green (PASS) sign. A  green (PASS) sign indicates that the food establishment has achieved substantial compliance with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation. A green (PASS) sign will be issued when any infractions observed are few in number and/or "non-critical" in nature such that they are unlikely to result in food borne illness and food handling/preparation operations do not represent an immediate risk to public health.

  When there are outstanding items of non-compliance remaining at the end of an inspection resulting in a green (PASS) sign being issued, a re-inspection will be done to ensure the issues have been corrected. In some instances, minor issues of non-compliance observed in an establishment receiving a green (PASS) sign may be addressed during the next routine inspection. Repeat infractions noted during re-inspections or during any subsequent compliance inspections may be subject to legal action. It is possible for an establishment to be charged despite receiving a green (PASS) sign.

• If a food establishment recieves a Yellow (CONDITIONAL PASS) sign, what happens next?

  A re-inspection will take place within 72 hours (3 business days). The operator is responsible for keeping the yellow sign posted until reinspection is conducted and a public health inspector provides a replacement sign.
   

  If all infractions have been corrected, the yellow sign will be replaced with a green (PASS) sign. If infractions remain outstanding, another yellow sign may be issued, and further reinspections will be conducted. In addition, CHSD may take legal action for outstanding infractions.

• If a food establishment recieves a Red (CLOSED) sign, what happens next?

  • The operator must immediately close the food establishment and stop preparing, serving, and/or selling food to the public.
  • The operator must immediately post the Red (CLOSED) sign at the front entrance of the food establishment.
  • The operator must correct the conditions listed on the Closure Order to eliminate the health hazard. The operator must contact the public health inspector for re-inspection when conditions have been corrected.
  • The Operator is responsible for keeping the establishment closed and keeping the CLOSED sign posted until a public health inspector issues a replacement sign. The inspector will rescind the Order and replace the Red CLOSED sign with a Green (PASS) sign only when they are satisfied the health hazard has been eliminated. If the infractions have not been corrected, the Red (CLOSED) sign will not be removed, and the establishment must remain closed. Failure to comply with an Order to close may lead to legal action.

• How long is food handler certification valid for?

  Food handler certification is valid for 5 years.

• Are there any other safe food handling courses accepted by Community Health Services Department?

   

  There are alternate food handler training course that are accredited by CHSD. For a list of courses please refer to our website at: www.lambtonhealth.on.ca/foodhandler. Costs of these courses are set by each individual agency. Please contact the particular agency for pricing.
  

   

• How do I become certified in safe food handling?

  There are three (3) options to achieve safe food handling certification from Community Health Services
  

  • In-Class Option: Attend a class delivered by Public Health Inspectors at the Community Health Services Department (CHSD). Complete the course in one day, followed by a written exam.
  • Home Study: Study on your own with our home study package. Then schedule an appointment with CHSD to write the exam.
  • Online Course: Study on your own with the online course posted at: www.ingoodhands.ca. Then schedule an appointment with CHSD to write the exam.

• What are the costs for food handler certification?

  • In-Class Option - $40
  • Home Study - $40
  • Online Course - $25 + Exam Fee An additional $10.00 fee at the time of your exam is payable to CHSD.
  • Other Accepted Courses Fees for courses offered by accredited companies are determined by the company.

• What are the new mandatory food handler certification requirements?

  On May 1, 2011 mandatory food handler certification requirements take effect (By-law No. 30 of 2010.)
   

  All operators of high-risk food establishments and medium-risk food establishments must ensure there is, at all times when the
  establishment is operating, at least one (1) holder of a valid Food Handler Training Certificate supervising the preparation,
  processing, packaging, service and storage of food.

• What happens if a food establishment fails to comply with the mandatory food handler training requirements?

  If supervisory staff are not certified for your establishment, or there is no certified food handler onsite during an inspection by a Public Health Inspector,  action may include a ticket with a set fine under the Public Disclosure By-law 30, 2010, County of Lambton.