Environmental Health

Environmental Health

Food Handling Permits

Food Establishments / Senior Homes / Day Cares

General |  Frequently Asked Questions |  Documents |  Contact |  Opening a Food-Related Business  

General

Pursuant to the Alberta Public Health Act and Food Regulation (AR 31/2006, 3(1)(a)(b)), no person shall operate a food establishment unless the person is an operator who holds a valid and subsisting permit for the operation of the food establishment, and the food establishment is identified on the permit as approved by the regional health authority that issued the permit (Alberta Health Services - Calgary Region); AR/31/2006, 4(4)(b) after receiving the permit fee in the amount set by the Minister.

The Alberta Public Health Act requires any business storing, selling, serving or processing food to hold a valid Food Handling Permit. The regulation also provides for various fee classes as well as exemptions. Each facility is assessed and assigned a fee class based on the Alberta Food Regulation Schedule of Fees for Food Handling Permits.

Currently there are three (3) types of permits available:

  • Annual - these facilities are open year round and will receive renewal invoices annually. Permits are valid for a 1 year term.
  • Seasonal/Winter Seasonal - these facilities operate only for a few months of the year and will receive invoices annually prior to opening the business. Effective dates are based on the operating season.
  • Exempt or Fee Class 0 – these facilities do not receive an invoice. All Exempt and Fee Class 0 food establishments, including those operating seasonally will receive an annual permit regardless of the operating dates. The permit dates are based on the facility type.

Food Handling Permits are non-transferable & non-refundable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

 

Do I need a Food Handling Permit?

Section 3 of the Food Regulation of the Alberta Public Health Act states that no person shall operate a food business unless they have a valid Food Handling Permit and are operating from an approved facility.

If you plan to prepare and/or sell food you must obtain a Food Handling Permit.

To learn more about opening a food-related business, please click here.

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How do I obtain a Food Handling Permit?

Food Handling Permit applications are submitted by your Public Health Inspector after an inspection takes place for any new business or if there has been a change in ownership. Permit applications will also be processed if changes are made to the business trade name, ownership information or operating location.

When an application is processed, an Invoice will be issued for the set amount & term of the permit. When the Invoice is paid, your Food Handling Permit & Official Receipt will be sent out.

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Will I have to pay a fee for my Food Handling Permit?

Most Food Establishments will be required to pay a fee. Your Health Inspector will do a risk assessment of your business at the time of inspection which will determine your fee class. The different classes are based on the Schedule of Fees for Annual Permits , which are set by the Minster of Health.  Concerns with your fee class or risk assessment can be addressed by your Health Inspector.

**Please note - our risk assessment process has recently changed.  This may affect your fee class for the next billing session.

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Can I be exempted from my Permit Fee?

Yes, if you meet the requirements (i.e. your facility is a charity or a church). Exemption from fees can be applied for by filling out the Application for Exemption of Fees form. Currently there is no charge for Schools, Churches, Community Centres, Bed & Breakfasts, Cook for Hire or Social Care Facilities. All other organizations, including Charitable, must apply for fee exemption. You may be required to reconfirm that you continue to meet requirements for fee exemption each year.

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How do I pay for my invoice?

Payment can be made by Cheque, Credit Card, Certified Cheque or Money Order. Please mail your payments in the return addressed, postage paid envelope provided. The address on this envelope is different than ours, it will go through our Postal office, but it will be received usually within 2-3 days.

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I am selling / closing my business part way through the term of my Permit. Can I receive a refund if I have already paid for my fees?

Food Handling Permit payments are non- refundable.

If you sell or close your business, the permit will become void. You cannot transfer your permit to a new owner, or charge them for the fees owing. They will be billed separately.

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I am opening a new business, or buying a business. How do I obtain a permit and how will I be billed?

You will be required to obtain approval from the Public Health Inspector. Once this takes place, he or she will submit an application for a Permit. When the application is processed an invoice will be issued. The amount will be determined by the fee class & by the application date. Fees will be prorated based on the application date if it is less than 1 year.

If you have taken over a business & receive an invoice in the previous owners name - DO NOT PAY THIS INVOICE – please contact us so we can update our files & issue the invoice & permit with the correct information.

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What happens if I don't pay my bill?

This can ultimately result in the closure of your business by the Public Health Inspector. The closure will be posted on the entrance to the business & on our website for public viewing.

Please ensure payment is sent prior to the due date on the invoice.

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I have lost my permit, how can I obtain a replacement?

If you have lost or damaged your permit, you will require a replacement. Please contact our office to request one. There is a $25 replacement fee.

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Documents

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Contact

For concerns, changes, questions, replacements, etc., please email Contact.EnvironmentalHealth@AlbertaHealthServices.ca or phone 403-943-8053.

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