Frequently Asked Questions

DineSafe Lambton - FAQs

  • What is DineSafe Lambton?
    • DineSafe Lambton is Lambton County’s Food Safety Inspection Disclosure program which gives you quick and easy access to inspection results. Lambton’s Inspection Summary Signs posted on-site for public notice will reflect the most recent inspection result - pass, conditional pass, or a closed notice.
  • What are the Benefits of DineSafe Lambton?
    • The DineSafe Lambton inspection program ensures that the food and establishments that serve the public are safe. The program:
  • What are the owner/operator requirements under the DineSafe Program?
    • The DineSafe Lambton inspection result sign has to be posted and clearly seen by the public
    • The sign cannot be changed or removed
    • Upon request, the most recent inspection report must be available for review by members of the public or health inspectors
  • What do the DineSafe Lambton Impsection Results sign colours mean?
    • Green (PASS) sign:
      • Mostly in compliance with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation
      • Few critical infractions or some non-critical infractions can result in a green (PASS) sign
      • Food handling practices do not represent an immediate risk to public health
      • A follow-up inspection may occur if items need to be corrected. Sometimes minor issues may not be addressed until the next routine inspection
    • Yellow (CONDITIONAL PASS) sign:
      • Significant non-compliance with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation
      • The number and/or type of infractions could lead to food-borne illness
      • Sometimes, significant non-critical infractions can result in a Yellow (CONDITIONAL PASS) sign being issued
      • A follow-up inspection will happen within 24-72 hours (1-3 business days)
    • Red (CLOSED) sign:
      • Food establishment poses a health hazard (i.e. major insect/rodent infestation, no hot/cold running water, sewage back-up, fire, flood, and/or power outage)
      • Food establishment will close and not prepare, serve and/or sell food to the public
      • The food establishment must earn a Green (PASS) to be re-opened
  • Are all food establishments required to post the DineSafe Lambton inspection summary signs?
    • All inspected food establishments are required to post a summary. Most community special events (e.g. farmers markets, fairs, etc.) are exempt from the DineSafe Lambton disclosure program and do not post summary signs.
  • Why can an establishment remain open with a Yellow sign?
    • Inspection results and sign colours reflect what was observed during the inspection. Most critical infractions can be corrected right away. For example, contaminated food will be thrown out; food can be removed from broken cooler units, etc. A follow- up inspection will happen within 24-72 hours for outstanding items.
  • Does Lambton Public Health inspect all food establishments in Lambton County?
    • Yes, all food establishments are required to be inspected by Lambton Public Health. This includes but it is not limited to:
      • General food services (e.g. restaurants / bars, cafeterias, deli, butcher shops, grocery stores, banquet halls, catering kitchens)
      • Institutional food services (e.g. hospitals, school cafeterias, nursing homes, licensed childcare centres, boarding houses with 10 or more residents)
      • Mobile food services (e.g. hot dog carts, catering vehicles, french fry trucks)
  • What do Lambton public Health Inspectors look for while conducting an inspection?
    • During inspections, Public Health Inspectors check that food establishments meet the standards of the Ontario Food Premises Regulation. Some key items are:
      • food temperature control; during storage, cooking, holding, and service
      • food is protected from cross-contamination and adulteration
      • food handlers practice good food handling and personal hygiene, surfaces and equipment are clean and in good repair
      • a pest control program is in place
  • How often are establishments inspected?
    • The number of inspections is based on a risk rating that takes into account:
      • the type and volume of food served
      • the type of population served (e.g. general public, elderly or very young)
      • the number of food preparation steps (e.g. cooking, cooling, hot holding, etc.)
      • their history of food-borne illness and/or compliance with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation
      • Food establishments are inspected 1-3 times per year with follow-up inspections as needed.
  • Do food establishments know when they will be inspected?
    • Inspections are never scheduled. Places that are inspected 3 times per year can expect a visit roughly every 4 months. At any time, a visit may occur as the result of a complaint, suspect food-borne illness or recall. Also, inspectors may visit prior to approving Municipal and/or Liquor Licensing requests. Follow-up inspections are often scheduled for outstanding items. The inspector would attend around that date to verify that the items have been fixed.
  • What are owners/operators responsible for to ensure a pass?

Personal Service Settings – FAQs

  • Why does Lambton public Health inspect Personal Service Settings?
  • What are the Benefits of Personal Service Settings inspections?
    • Inspections will:
      • help reduce the risk of transmission of blood borne and other types of infections
      • help improve infection control standards and increase compliance with the Infection Prevention and Control Best Practices for Personal Services Settings
      • make inspection results accessible to the public and assist the public in making informed decisions about where to get a personal service
      • increase the transparency of public health services
  • Does Lambton Public Health inspect all Personal Service Settings?
    • Yes, any establishment or person offering personal services (including home-based and mobile facilities) are required to be inspected and post signs that reflect their most recent inspection or re-inspection results. These include but are not limited to:
      • hairdressing and barbering
      • manicures and pedicures
      • tattooing and micropigmentation
      • body piercing and ear lobe piercing
      • massage and tanning
      • electrolysis and laser hair removal
      • various aesthetic services
  • How are Inspection results posted?
    • All inspected personal service settings are required to post a summary of inspection results:
      • Green sign (PASS) - Significant compliance. There are no or only a few non-critical infractions observed which are unlikely to result in the spread of infection.
      • Yellow sign (CONDITIONALPASS) - Significant non-compliance. The number and/or the type of infractions observed have the potential for the spread of infection.
      • Red sign (CLOSED) - An immediate health hazard exists, and is a condition that is likely to lead to the spread of infection or other adverse health effects if the condition is not corrected immediately.
  • How often are Personal Service Settings Inspected?
    • LPH inspects businesses offering personal services such as tattooing, body piercing, aesthetics, hair styling and barbering. Facilities are inspected annually to verify personal service owners/operators are aware of and following proper infection prevention and control practices.
  • What does Lambton public Health look for during these inspections?
    • During personal service setting inspections, Public Health Inspectors ensure that all facilities are meeting minimum requirements set out in the Ontario Personal Service Settings Regulation. Some key requirements include:
      • instruments/equipment are of durable construction, in good repair and stored in a sanitary manner
      • all instruments/equipment are discarded (if single use) or cleaned and disinfected/sterilized (if re-usable) after each use
      • appropriate disinfectants for the instrument/equipment are used according to manufacturer’s instructions
      • work area is maintained in a sanitary manner
      • proper hand hygiene being performed prior to, and during, service delivery
      • conditions are maintained free from health hazard
  • How is the colour of the Personal Services Settings Inspection Summary sign determined?
    • After an inspection, the Public Health Inspector will input the infractions into an electronic database and complete a Personal Services Settings Inspection Report. Each infraction or requirement is assigned a value (weight), based on the risk to cause infection. The overall score determines the colour of the Personal Services Settings Inspection Summary sign (i.e. green, yellow or red) that must be posted.
    • It is the owner/operator’s responsibility to keep a copy of the most current Personal Services Settings Inspection Report for the public to review upon request.
  • What are the Responsibilities of the Owner/Operator?
    • Owner/operators need to ensure their establishments meet the standards of the Ontario Personal Service Settings Regulation.
    • Owners/operator must ensure inspection results are posted in an easily accessible location, at or near the main public entrance and must remain at that location until the next inspection at which time the inspector will issue a new sign.

Beaches

  • How does Lambton Public Health monitor Beaches
    • Lambton Public Health monitors the water quality at municipally owned or operated public bathing beaches within Lambton County in accordance with the Recreational Water Protocol (2019).
  • Why does Lambton Public Health monitor beaches?
    • Monitoring beaches helps prevent the spread of water-borne illness.
    • Following heavy rainfall, the water at area beaches may be temporarily polluted for up to 48 hours. If the water becomes cloudy due to wave activity, bacteria from the bottom may become suspended and increase the risk of illness.
  • When and where does Lambton Public Health monitor beach water quality?
    • Monitoring water quality and safety of public beaches is done weekly from early June until the end of August.
    • No sampling occurs along the St. Clair River; however, a caution sign, advising of high bacterial levels following heavy rainfall, has been permanently placed at:
      • Seager Park
      • Branton Cundick Park
      • Brander Park
  • How does Lambton Public health notify the public of beach water quality?
    • Signs warning against swimming are posted when beach conditions pose a potential health risk to bathers. Most often the posting of a beach is due to high levels of bacteria in the water.
  • How can I find beach water quality information?

Recreational Water Facilities

  • Why does Lambton public Health inspect Recreational Water Facilities?
    • If recreational water facilities are not operated correctly, bathers can be exposed to disease organisms that can cause skin infections, eye, ear and throat infections, respiratory infections, and intestinal infections, or can cause injuries.
  • How does Lambton Public health inspect Recreational Water Facilities?
  • How often are recreational water facilities inspected?
    • All public pools, spas and splashpads are routinely inspected in accordance with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s (MOHLTC) Recreational Water Protocol, 2018. If the Health Department receives complaints about a facility or if re-inspections are needed, additional inspections may occur. As well, if an establishment is under an Order of a Public Health Inspector, compliance checks may occur in addition to routine inspections. Ontario’s Recreational Water Protocol, MOHLTC and Public Pools Regulation, sets out the minimum standards that all pools, spas and splashpads must meet. Public Health Inspectors inspect the physical environment, equipment, water chemistry and safety provisions of all public pools and spas.
  • What does Lambton Public Health look for during an inspection of a public pool?
    • Public Health Inspectors ensure that all pools, spas and splashpads are meeting minimum requirements set out in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Recreational Water Protocol, 2018 and the Public Pools Regulation 565 made under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Some key requirements include:
      • Water Quality
      • Daily Records
      • Maintenance and General sanitation Safety
      • Equipment Supervision (e.g. lifeguards)
      • Notices and Markings

Licensed Child Care

  • Why does Lambton Public Health inspect Daycare and Childcare centres?
    • Lambton Public Health (LPH) works with child-care providers to ensure compliance and health and safety in child care settings. Under the Ontario Child Care and Early Years Act (2014) LPH conducts routine inspections of licensed child care centres within Lambton County to ensure they provide a safe and healthy environment for children.
  • What does Lambton public Health’s Child Care Inspection include?
    • Routinely inspecting licensed child care centres to ensure that evidence-based IPAC practices are followed;
    • Investigating complaints in child care centres in Lambton; and
    • Working collaboratively with institutions to proactively prevent and control outbreaks and implement IPAC best practices.
  • How often are Childcare and Daycare centres inspected?
    • Licensed child care centres are inspected once a year, as defined by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Public Health Inspectors visit licensed child care centres both on a routine and complaint-related basis to inspect for health infractions, to provide education on the importance of IPAC practices and to make sure any identified issues are corrected in a timely manner.
  • Where can I find inspection results?
    • A report about each inspection is prepared and posted online, and includes outstanding infractions at the conclusion of the inspection. If necessary, follow-up inspections are conducted to ensure compliance. Inspection reports are uploaded to the website within two business days after they are completed and remain on LPH’s disclosure website for two years.

Recreational Camps

  • Why does Lambton public Health inspect Recreational Camps?
    • Lambton’s public health inspectors work with recreational camp operators to ensure the food, drinking water, and recreational waters are safe for campers, and that good sanitation and infection prevention and control practices are in place.
    • Lambton Public Health inspects all recreational camps in Lambton County in accordance with the Recreational Camp Ontario Reg.  503/17 of the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act.
  • How often are recreational camps inspected?
    • All recreational camps are routinely inspected at least once per year. If the Health Department receives any complaints about the camp or if re-inspections are needed, then additional inspections may occur. As well, if a recreational camp is under an Order of a Public Health Inspector (PHI) compliance checks may occur in addition to routine inspections.
  • What does Lambton Public Health look for during a Recreational Camp Inspection?
    • During inspections, PHIs ensure that the facility is meeting the minimum requirements set out in the Recreational Camp Ontario Reg.  503/17. Some key requirements include:
      • Camp safety plans
      • Management of communicable diseases
      • Camp staff training
      • Potable water supply
      • Sanitary maintenance of kitchen/sleeping areas
      • Waterfront area safety
      • Proper waste disposal
  • How are inspection results posted?
    • Every operator shall ensure that every camper or camp staff member in a recreational camp is free of any communicable disease.
    • Lambton Public Health discloses inspection results and complaints online.

Small Drinking Water Systems

  • What is Lambton Small Drinking Water Systems testing?
    • Lambton Public Health (LPH) and the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change monitor public drinking water systems in Lambton County. Public health inspectors conduct an on-site risk assessment for every small drinking water system to ensure a safe water supply.
  • What does Lambton public health look for while testing Small Drinking Water Systems?
    • Public Health Inspectors ensure that all Small Drinking Water Systems are meeting minimum requirements set out in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Safe Drinking Water and Fluoride Monitoring Protocol, 2018 and the Small Drinking Water Systems Regulation 319 made under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Some key requirements include:
      • Microbiological Sampling and Testing
      • Treatment
      • Operational Checks
      • Records
  • How often are Drinking Water Systems Tested?
    • Small Drinking Water Systems (SDWS) are routinely inspected in accordance with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Safe Drinking Water and Fluoride Monitoring Protocol, 2018. As required by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), all SDWS’s shall be risk assessed and categorized as low, moderate or high depending on risk factors identified during an initial assessment. SDWS that have a moderate or low risk categorization are inspected every 4 years while those with a high risk categorization are inspected every 2 years. Follow-up inspections of SDWS are based upon the initial risk categorization. If the Health Department receives complaints about a facility or if re-inspections are needed, additional inspections may occur. As well, if an establishment is under an Order of a Public Health Inspector, compliance checks may occur in addition to routine inspections.
  • How does Lambton Public Health post results of testing?
  • What happens if water is unsafe for consumption
    • If water supplied by a system is unsafe for consumption, a boil water or drinking water advisory will be issued to protect users from real or potential health risks related to the drinking water supply.
    • A Boil Water Advisory (BWA) is issued by Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health (MoH) when conditions indicate the water is not safe for human consumption due to microbial contamination, unless treated or boiled.
      • The BWA is lifted when the water is safe to use and no longer poses a threat to public health. 
    • A Drinking Water Advisory (DWA) is issued by the MoH when boiling or disinfecting the water will not render it safe for consumption (ex. Chemical contamination). Do not use water from the tap for drinking, food prep, making beverages or ice cubes, washing foods, or brushing teeth. Use a safe alternate water source, such as bottled water or commercially treated water.
      • The DWA is lifted when the water is deemed safe to use and no longer poses a threat to public health.
  • What about Well Water?
    • Residents who have a private well can have their water tested for free. Water samples submitted to Lambton Public Health are tested by the Public Health Laboratory and results are sent directly to you. Please call in advance to make arrangements to drop off well water samples at our main office, 160 Exmouth St., Point Edward.
      • Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
      • Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
    • Our Forest and Petrolia sub-offices are closed but rural residents in Lambton County can bring water samples to our main office in Point Edward and to the lab in Petrolia.
      • Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital Lab (Basement), 450 Blanche St., Petrolia
      • Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Lapses

  • What are Infection Prevention and Control Lapses?
    • The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care directs Lambton Public Health (LPH) to publicly disclose more detailed information on infection prevention and control (IPAC) lapses identified through a complaint, referral (e.g., from a regulatory college), or through disease surveillance in accordance with the Personal Service Settings Ontario Reg. 136/18 under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act.
  • Where do Infection Prevention and Control Lapses apply?
    • IPAC lapses specifically applies to personal service settings (e.g., nail salons, tattoo or piercing studios) and settings not routinely inspected by public health including regulated health professional settings (e.g., physicians, dentists, or physiotherapists).
  • What happens when an IPAC lapse is reported?
    • Lambton Public Health conducts a non-routine IPAC investigation of the facility to assess practices and procedures when potential infection prevention and control lapses are brought to the attention of LPH. An IPAC lapse is a departure from infection prevention and control standards that could result in infectious disease transmission through exposure to blood or bodily fluids. 
  • What happens when an IPAC lapse is identified?
    • If an IPAC lapse is identified, LPH works with the facility to mitigate any hazards to the public and prevent further problems from arising. If the outcome of an investigation indicates a direct health risk to patients, LPH has a process to:
      • notify the potentially affected patients
      • inform them of the risks
      • provide advice around any necessary medical follow-up
    • Once an IPAC lapse is identified, a report is posted online and remains posted for a minimum of 2 years on this webpage.
      • Posted reports do not guarantee the facilities listed, and not listed, are free of IPAC lapses. Facilities investigated by LPH following a complaint or referral, and no infection IPAC lapses identified are not included.

Tobacco Convictions

  • What are tobacco/vapour product convictions?
    • Lambton Public Health enforces the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke/vapour and to prevent youth access to tobacco and vapour products. The SFOA, 2017 prohibits the sale or supply of tobacco and vapour products to anyone who is less than 19 years old or to anyone who appears to be younger than 25 years old unless identification is provided.
  • What happens when a retailer is found to be in breach of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017?
    • Lambton Public Health is required to publicly disclose and report each tobacco and vapour sale-related conviction of retailers in Lambton County within two weeks of the conviction. Reports must be published for five years.
  • What should I know before purchasing a business that sells tobacco products?
    • Prospective buyers of tobacco retail dealer premises are strongly encouraged to contact the local public health unit to confirm the premises' conviction history. A premises with two or more tobacco sales convictions against any owner (past or present) at that address within a five-year period is subject to a Notice of Prohibition Against the Sale, Storage, and Delivery of Tobacco Products (known as an automatic prohibition or “AP”).
  • How does Lambton Public Health handle retailers with multiple convictions?
    • Section 22 of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) states that upon becoming aware that there are two or more convictions against any owner for tobacco sales offences committed at the same place within a five year period, the Ministry of Health (MOH) shall notify the owner(s) or occupant of the place that the sale, storage and delivery of tobacco products is prohibited at the place.
    • The MOH accepts requests from public health units for automatic prohibitions where the owner(s) of the business was/were convicted of tobacco sales offences on two occasions. The SFOA, 2017 convictions report published on public health unit’s websites lists all owner-related tobacco sales convictions that are eligible for an automatic prohibition. Please note that automatic prohibitions do not apply to vapour product sales convictions.
  • How is the public notified of Tobacco/Vapour Convictions?
    • Lambton Public Health posts conviction reports online of all vendor-related tobacco and vapour sales convictions. These reports remain online for five years.