When something you eat makes you sick, it may be a foodborne illness - sometimes referred to as food poisoning. Food safety is important and ensures the food we eat is free from germs that could cause foodborne illness.
The health unit's role in food safety is to prevent foodborne illness and to keep all members of our community healthy.
We:
- Inspect restaurants, special events and other locations where food is served to the public.
- Monitor for food recalls and educate the public on the safety of food in food premises after fires, floods and other emergencies.
- Provide safe food handling education and support to people who prepare and serve food.
What Matters to Your Health
Food safety and you
Food safety starts with you. To keep you and your family safe, it's important to follow food safety guidelines. Learn how to do this by following these food safety steps:
Food safety after a flood or power outage
Food safety is important after a flood or power outage. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your family.
- Food items that have come into contact with floodwaters should be thrown out, with the exception of sealed canned goods. However, the outside of sealed canned goods must be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
- A refrigerator will keep foods cool for 4 - 6 hours without power. Dispose of all foods that have been above 4 C (40 F) for more than 2 hours.
- If your chest freezer is full, foods inside should remain safely frozen for up to 48 hours after a power failure. If your freezer is half full, foods inside should remain safely frozen for 24 hours after a power failure. Any foods that are thawed should be thrown out and, if in doubt -- throw it out!
For more information
Call Health Connection to reach a public health inspector at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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