News

SIMCOE, JULY 25, 2013 – The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit has taken the unusual step of requesting a Court Order be issued to a food premise on the outskirts of Caledonia.

The hamburger stand located on provincially owned lands on Argyle Street South at Highway 6 in Caledonia was ordered closed on July 12th under the authority of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. However, the premise continued to serve food to the public without Health Unit approval. At the request of the Acting Medical Officer of Health a restraining order was issued by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on July 22nd, ordering the burger stand closed until it complies with the requirements of the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit.

“Despite the politics associated with the location of this business the Health Unit is only interested in protecting the health of the public. At the moment our Public Health Inspectors are unable to confirm that food prepared in this business is being stored and handled in a safe manner, or in accordance with the requirements of the Food Premises Regulation” said Dr. Malcolm Lock, Acting Medical Officer of Health for Haldimand and Norfolk Counties. Dr. Lock continues “we have attempted to work with the people running this food premise, to no avail. We do not issue closure orders lightly, but felt it was necessary in this instance to protect the public. It is possible for this premise to meet the minimum safety standards we expect to see in a food business, and eventually be approved to open for business, but at present we have no indication that the owner is willing to work towards that goal.”

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Media contact:
Sandy Stevens
Program Manager, Environmental Health
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
Ext. 3216 at either 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623
[email protected]