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Food Safety & Inspection Results

Never had food poisoning?

Perhaps you have, but thought you were sick with the flu.

If you or a family member has ever had nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever or cramps, you could have had food poisoning.

Thousands of people suffer from it each year.

Our Food Safety team's responsibilities include:

Inspection of food premises and reporting of the results.
Responding to consumer complaints.
Investigating food-related illnesses.
Taking part in the recall of contaminated foods.
Providing food safety training to commercial food handlers.

Food Premises Inspection Results

Please check the Food Premises Inspection Results section of the website where we provide the public with information about inspections of all food premises in Waterloo Region.

The results of the inspections posted on this website describe what the Public Health Inspector observed on the date of the inspection.

The information on this site is updated weekly; however, we cannot guarantee that all information is accurate, complete or current at all times.

How Do I Report A Food Illness?

If you believe you became ill as a result of food, please provide the following information to Public Health when you call 519-883-2000 ext. 5147:

The name of the place where you ate.
The date and time you ate.
What you ate.
Your symptoms and where and when they first occurred.
How long you were ill.
Name of anyone else that ate with you and whether or not they became ill.

To determine whether the illness was caused by the suspected food, it is important that you submit a stool sample to us. Stool kits are available at our office.

Remember: If you have severe symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately and contact Public Health when you are able.

Food Safety Training Courses

In partnership with Public Health, Conestoga College is now the delivery organization for the Food Safety Training Courses.

To register for the food safety training, go to the Continuing Education Course Registration on the Conestoga College website.

Do You Want To Open A Food Establishment?

Are you planning to open or renovate a food service establishment? Region of Waterloo Public Health must be notified of any new food service establishments. Here are steps you need to follow:

First Steps

Refer to the Ontario Food Premise Regulation about the requirements needed to open a food service establishment. All food service establishments must comply with the regulation.
- Guidelines for Constructing/Renovating a Food Premise; this document gives a basic overview of the requirements outlined in the Ontario Food Premise Regulations
- Health Protection and Promotion Act Regulations
Fill out the Food Premise Notification Form; print and fill out the form.
- Mail: 99 Regina Street South, 3rd floor, Health Protection and Investigation, Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3
- Fax: 519-883-2226
Forward a copy of your proposed floor plan for review by a Public Health Inspector.

Next Steps

The plans and notification will be reviewed by a Public Health Inspector to ensure all aspects of the Ontario Food Premise Regulation are met. The Public Health Inspector will notify you of any changes that must be made in order to be in compliance.

Any questions regarding building permits or business licenses should be directed to your local municipality.
Any questions regarding the Ontario Food Premise Regulations and its interpretation can be directed to our Intake Public Health Inspector at 519-883-2008 ext. 5147, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Food Recalls

If you want to subscribe to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) automatic food recall update service to receive food recalls and allergy alerts directly via e-mail as soon as they are issued, go to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.