Glossary
Action Taken: Problems Noted - No Additional Action Required
The PHI observed one or more infractions during the inspection that were corrected immediately in the presence of the PHI. No follow-up inspection is required.
Action Taken: Problems Noted - Re-Inspection Required
The PHI observed one or more infractions and scheduled a follow-up inspection to check that the infraction was corrected.
Actions Taken: Satisfactory - No Action Required
The premises met all requirements at the time of inspection.
Blood-borne Exposure
This occurs when blood or body fluid comes in contact with mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, nose, mouth), or with broken skin (i.e. open cut or sores), or from a needle stick injury where an instrument contaminated with blood or body fluid breaks the skin.
Boil Water Order
A Boil Water Order is issued when there is the presence or possible presence of bacteria or other micro-organisms in the water. The operator is required to boil water before using, or use a commercially prepared water supply (e.g. bottled water). This order will be lifted (rescinded) once corrective action is taken and satisfactory water sample results are achieved.
Closure Order
A Closure Order is an Order for a premises to close until such a time that the identified health hazard has been eliminated. Situations that would result in a Closure Order being issued to a food premises include, but is not limited to, the following: no hot water, lack of potable drinking water, or power failure. Some examples of when a closure order would be issued to a public pool or spa would include: unbalanced water chemistry, missing or inoperable safety equipment.
Complaint Inspection
In addition to Required Inspections, PHIs have the duty and authority to investigate and conduct Complaint Inspections as necessary to address complaints. These inspections are used to assess the potential health hazard.
Compliance Inspection
See Required Inspection.
Conviction
A charge is considered a Conviction when the person or business charged is found guilty of an offence. This is a decision of a Judge or Justice of the Peace in the court of law. An individual identifies their guilt by paying the amount indicated on the ticket.
Corrected During Inspection (CDI)
The PHI observed an infraction under the applicable legislation during the course of the inspection; however, the owner or operator corrected the infraction prior to the end of the inspection.
Disclosure Sign
This is the sign or sticker provided and filled out by the PHI that must be posted in a prominent area near the entrance of a premises, or where the PHI indicates the sign or sticker must be posted.
Drinking Water Order
A Drinking Water Order is issued as a safety measure due to the possible chemical contamination of the water supply. In this case, boiling the water may cause more harm and/or will not eliminate the contamination. This order will be lifted (rescinded) once corrective action is taken and satisfactory water sample results are achieved.
Follow-Up Inspection
See Re-Inspection
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Lapse
An IPAC lapse is identified if a premises does not follow proper practices to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases to clients or staff from exposure to blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, broken skin, or contaminated equipment and soiled items.
Infraction
Infractions may also be known as a violation or non-compliant items. This refers to a situation where the owner or operator is not compliant with a requirement listed in the legislation.
Offence Notice
An Offence Notice is also known as a charge, Notice of Offence, or Ticket. PHIs are designated as Provincial Offences Officers. This designation allows them to issue an Offence Notice for each infraction when observed. Not all legislation allows charges to be laid.
Order
PHIs can issue Orders under the authority of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Commonly referred to as Section 13 Orders, these are issued when the PHI is of the opinion, upon reasonable and probable grounds, that a health hazard exists, and that the requirements in the order are necessary to decrease or eliminate the health hazard. Orders are issued when there is a health risk for which the only means of preventing human illness is by ordering the premises to take actions specified in the order until such a time the health hazard is eliminated.
Premises Closed
If a PHI determines that there are significant health hazards present at a premises, he or she has the authority to close the premises until the health hazard has been corrected or removed.
Prohibition Order
TEOs can issue a prohibition order under the authority of the Smoke Free Ontario Act (SFOA). This order is issued when a tobacco retailer has been convicted under the SFOA more than twice within five (5) years. The prohibition order bans the retailer from selling tobacco products for a period of time starting at 6 months. When the tobacco vendor is the retailer/owner of the premises and is convicted under the SFOA, the conviction applies towards a prohibition order. When the tobacco vendor is an employee of the premises, and is convicted under the SFOA, the conviction does not apply toward a prohibition order.
Public Health Inspector (PHI)
A PHI is a trained and certified professional who is qualified to assess and monitor health and safety hazards in the community. They are Provincial Offences Officers who enforce laws related to public health issues such as food safety, safe water, and infection control. They act under the direction of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH).
Re-Inspection
During the course of an inspection, if a PHI identified infractions or concerns that are unable to be Corrected During Inspection, a Re-Inspection is conducted on a later date. This is to ensure that appropriate corrective action was taken by the owner or operator. These inspections are also referred to as Follow-Up Inspections.
Required inspection
This inspection is also called a Compliance Inspection. Required inspections are required by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC). The number of inspections is based on the type of premises, or on the risk assessment of the Food Premises.
Resolved Date
When the conditions set out in an Order have been met, the order is lifted (rescinded). This means there is no longer an imminent risk to the health of the public and the issue has been resolved.
Small Drinking Water System (SDWS)
A SDWS may be a privately or publicly owned and operated drinking water system that provides non-municipal drinking water to the public. These systems use private wells or cisterns, or surface water drawn from lakes, rivers or ponds, and are common in rural areas. Some examples of small drinking water systems may include: seasonal trailer parks, campgrounds or resorts, restaurants on private water systems, hotels, motels and bed and breakfast accommodations, libraries, gas stations, recreational and athletic facilities, places of worship, places where service clubs and fraternal organizations meet, and any place where the general public has access to a drinking water fountain, shower, or washroom.
Summons
A Summons can be given instead of a Notice of Offence, or a Ticket. A Summons is a legal document that requires the person charged to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice regarding an infraction. The Summons typically leads to a trial date being set. During a trial, a Judge or Justice of the Peace will determine a fine or sentence if the person or business is convicted.
Ticket
See Offence Notice