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New Options Will Encourage Healthy, Multicultural Food Choices
TORONTO, July 7 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is giving municipalities
the option to expand the types of food street vendors can sell to give
Ontarians more interesting, healthy and safe food choices, Health and
Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.
"Ontarians are at our best when we embrace the diversity of our people
and our culture," said Smitherman. "By expanding street menus, we are making
it possible for our food options to reflect our multiculturalism. We are also
helping a new group of entrepreneurs showcase their culture's culinary
contribution to their cities."
The government has amended the Food Premises Regulation (O. Regulation
562) to allow expanded menu options for street food vendors that will take
effect on August 1, 2007:
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- Pre-prepared, pre-packaged foods such as salads, fruits and baked
goods;
- Pre-cooked foods that are reheated on site such as samosas, pizzas,
burritos, hamburgers and hot dogs;
- Lower-risk foods such as orange juice, corn on the cob, whole fruit
and non-dairy smoothies;
- Local Medical Officers of Health will also have the discretion to
approve additional menu items if they are satisfied that safeguards
are in place to protect the public.
>>
"These new options will help street food vendors be more creative in
their menu offerings," said Susur Lee, internationally renowned chef and
author. "It will put Ontario on the culinary map by showcasing our province's
great talent and diversity."
Municipalities will still be responsible for determining licensing
requirements, which includes menus and locations. Like other food premises,
the food vending carts will be subject to food safety inspections.
This type of regulation puts Ontario at the forefront of other Canadian
jurisdictions. Enabling expanded menus is likely to create opportunities for
small businesses and have a positive impact on tourism. Outside Canada, many
large cities such as New York and Washington D.C. already have policies in
place that support diverse street food.
Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for
innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three
priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing
better access to doctors and nurses.
This news release, along with other media materials and a brochure of
food handling tips are available on our website at:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca under the News Media section. There is also safe
food handling tips available on our website at: http://www.health.gov.on.ca.
For more information on achievements in health care, visit:
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca.
Disponible en français.
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For further information: Media Contacts: David Spencer, Minister's Office, (416) 327-4320; A.G Klei, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, (416) 314-6197; Members of the general public: 1-866-532-3161
Other news releases disseminated by this ministry
