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Food premise health review application

Every person who intends to commence to operate a food premises shall give notice of the person's intention to the health unit (Ottawa Public Health) in which the food premises will be located. A food premises is defined as a premises where food or milk is manufactured, processed, prepared, stored, handled, displayed, distributed, transported, sold or offered for sale, as required under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

Approximate cost

  • Free

Approximate timeline

  • 8-10 business days

Permit requirements

Who to contact

Where to apply

  • Visit a Client Service Centre
  • By mail: 
    100 Constellation Crescent (26-46)
    Ottawa, ON, K2G 6J8
  • By fax: 613-580-9648

Are you planning to open a restaurant, bakery, café, butcher shop or another type of food establishment? The City of Ottawa has resources to assist business owners who are starting to plan and operate a new food premises, including the Business Ambassador Service and the online Food Premises Application tool available on My ServiceOttawa.

Food service at a special event

Every person who intends to commence to operate a food premise shall give notice of the person’s intention to the health unit in which the food premise will be located. 

This application is for temporary food service at special events.

Approximate cost

  • Free

Approximate timeline

  • Two weeks

Permit requirements

Who to contact

Public Health Inspector Duty Desk, 613-580-6744 ext. 15414 or e-mail healthsante@ottawa.ca

Where to apply

100 Constellation Crescent (26-46)

Ottawa, ON, K2G 6J8

  • By fax: 613-580-9648