Medical officers of health charged that the public would be put at great risk due to changes in Ontario’s food rules
Medical officers of health charged that the public would be put at great risk due to changes in Ontario's food rules.
The changed rules apply to religious organizations, service clubs and fraternal organizations supplying food at special events and bake sales, as well as farmers' market food vendors.The changes to Ontario's food regulations indicate that an inspection will only be carried out if a health hazard is suspected to exist.
Dr. Graham Pollett, chair of the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health said that 'This weakening of basic public health protection puts the public at greater risk of food-borne illness,'
Potentially hazardous conditions could go unchecked and the public, not knowing the risks involved, may be caught unawares, the council feared.
Pollet said, 'By exempting farmers' markets, special events and bake sales from inspections, the public has been given a false sense of the safety of these events,'
