It’s part of a food business owner’s responsibilities to understand the laws and regulations related to operating their establishment, and a part of the requirements is following business licence requirements. In Manitoba, PEI and New Brunswick, a food business licence or permit expires every March 31 and must be renewed.
Learn more about the renewal requirements for these provinces, and if you haven’t renewed your licence yet, here’s your reminder to get started!
According to the Food and Food Handling Establishments Regulation under the Public Health Act, a permit to operate a food service establishment or a mobile food unit expires every year on March 31. These establishments’ definitions are as follows:
A permit is not required for food handling establishments that only sell low-risk foods or establishments where the sanitation and food safety requirements are regulated by the federal government or an agency of the federal government, a municipality or another Act of the Legislature. However, a permit may still be needed if, in the opinion of the director, the exemption is likely to create a public health risk.
Permits must be posted in a prominent place within the food handling establishments, and permits are not transferable between establishments or persons.
Learn more about Manitoba’s food handling establishment health permit requirements and use this form to renew your permit.
In Prince Edward Island, food premises must have a valid licence to operate, prepare and serve food to the public at any location. This includes farmer’s markets, supermarkets, fundraising events, canteens, craft fairs and home-based food and catering services.
The food premises licence expires every March 31 and must be renewed each year. Exemptions are permitted for food premises owned, operated or leased by non-profit organizations, religious organizations and service clubs that only serve low-risk foods.
HOW TO RENEW YOUR PEI FOOD PREMISES LICENCE
Renewing your licence is easy and can be completed in less than 20 minutes! To renew your licence:
You should receive a printed copy of your renewed licence within approximately two weeks of submitting your renewal application if submitted in the same year that the current licence expires.
Learn more about PEI’s food premises licence requirements and renew your licence here.
In New Brunswick, food premises must comply with the New Brunswick Food Premises Regulation and must have a food premises licence issued by the New Brunswick Health Protection Services division. This licence expires every year on March 31 unless revoked or suspended.
The classes of food premises in the province are:
HOW TO RENEW YOUR NEW BRUNSWICK FOOD PREMISES LICENCE
For renewals of a food premises licence in New Brunswick, a “Renewal Notice” is required. This notice should have been sent to the organization or individual indicated in the original application for a food premises licence. Those who don’t have this document should contact their local Health Protection Services office.
Depending on your food business and class of food premises, your licence renewal may be subject to a renewal fee. Learn more about the application and renewal process, including required documentation, using the province’s Application Guide - Food Premises Licence.
Don’t miss out on crucial documentation needed as part of your renewal application — including Food Handler Certification! Each province has its own specific requirements when it comes to food safety training.
The best way to ensure that you have the proper documentation — and to avoid costly fines if your business does not meet these minimum requirements — is to train everyone who handles food in your business in safe food-handling practices. Not only will your business always meet certification requirements, but having Food Handlers properly trained in food safety will help your business avoid food-borne illness incidents and outbreaks!
The Canadian Institute of Food Safety’s (CIFS) Food Handler Certification Course is nationally recognized and provides the comprehensive food safety training your whole team needs. Get in touch with us today to learn more!
The penalties for operating a food business without a renewed licence or permit vary by province in Canada. Generally, these can include fines, closure of the business until compliance is achieved, and in some cases, legal action.
Specifics of these penalties are usually detailed in provincial health and business regulations, and it is important for business owners to familiarize themselves with the laws applicable in their respective provinces to avoid such penalties.
The requirements for renewing a food business licence or permit can differ between mobile food units and stationary food establishments, primarily due to the nature of their operations. Mobile units often face additional regulations related to vehicle safety, location permits, and sanitation facilities that are specific to the transient nature of their business.
In contrast, stationary establishments might deal more with building codes, permanent facility requirements, and local zoning laws. Each type of establishment must comply with food safety standards, but the specifics can vary based on their operational model.
In some jurisdictions, the process of renewing a food business licence or permit can be expedited if it is close to the expiration date. This typically involves submitting an application through expedited channels, which might require additional fees.
Business owners should check with their local licensing authority for specific procedures, including any fast-track options and the necessary requirements to qualify for expedited processing.