Inspection Legal Activities

Durham Region Health Department is required by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to conduct a Food Safety Program which includes the inspection and monitoring of all food premises throughout the Region. This program includes regular examination and investigation of food premises to reduce the risk of food-borne illness.

To achieve this, all Ontario public health agencies must ensure that food is prepared, stored and served in a manner consistent with accepted public health practices in food premises within the agency's jurisdiction. These inspections are carried out to ensure compliance with Food Premises Regulation 562 under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA). An establishment that fails to comply with this Regulation is subject to legal prosecution.

In addition to the inspection of food premises, the Health Department is also required to enforce the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, Electronic Cigarettes Act and the HPPA including Rabies Immunization Regulation 567, and to conduct inspections of other establishments according to the Ontario Public Health Standards. The Health Department also enforces the Building Code Act related to sewage systems, under contract with seven of the eight area municipalities.

Durham Region Health Department is also mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) to conduct inspections of personal services settings in Durham Region. These services include tattooing, body and ear piercing, electrolysis, micropigmentation, acupuncture, manicures, pedicures, hairdressing/barbering, waxing, facials, tanning and relaxation massages. As of June 1, 2016 all personal services settings (PSS) operating in Durham Region are required to participate in accordance with the Durham Region Personal Services Setting By-law # 17-2016 (Durham Region's Personal Services Settings Inspection Disclosure program).

Members of the public may access inspection reports for all inspected establishments by contacting the Health Department's Environmental Help Line at 905-723-3818 or 1-888-777-9613, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Results of the last inspection can be provided over the phone, usually on the same day that the Health Department receives the request. Also visit www.durham.ca/dinesafe to view food premises inspection results. Stay tuned for other types of inspection results (i.e. personal services settings) to be posted in the future.