Health and Community Services
November 18, 2013
Legislation Introduced to Protect Families and Communities
New Food Safety Act Replaces Dated Legislation
The Provincial Government introduced new food safety legislation today in the House of Assembly. The modernized Food Premises Act further supports food safety in the province and replaces the Food and Drug Act.
“The province’s food premises operate at a high level of compliance with
provincial food safety standards. This new legislation will serve as the
foundation for activities aimed at maintaining and enhancing food safety and
preventing food-borne illness. With new legislation and the industry’s
commitment to food safety, individuals and families can purchase food with
confidence.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community
Services.
The new legislation will enhance the high food safety standards currently in place for food premises throughout the province, including restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores and mobile food vendors. It also builds on having restaurant inspection reports available online for consumers to make informed decisions about where to eat.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.
QUICK FACTS
- In 2008, the Department of Health and Community Services developed a Risk Management Framework in partnership with Service NL and the regional health authorities to enhance the food premises inspection program throughout the province.
- The new Food Premises Act will not impose any new requirement upon the owners or operators of food premises.
- There are approximately 4,000 food premises in the province, and Service NL conducts over 6,000 inspections annually to ensure these food premises are in compliance with the Act and regulations made under it.
- High-risk food premises are inspected four times a year, moderate-risk premises are inspected twice a year, and low-risk premises are inspected once every two years. In addition, food premises must be inspected prior to opening and upon receipt of a complaint.
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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
2013 11 18 5:00 p.m.