Released on May 12, 2009
Saskatchewan residents can now view summary information of public health inspection reports for restaurant-type facilities online.
Online access to information for facilities licensed by health regions will be available free of charge at www.health.gov.sk.ca/restaurant-inspections.
"The public has a right to know the restaurants where they eat have been inspected and are operating in accordance with public health regulations," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "This website is further indication of the government's commitment to transparency."
New regulations under The Public Health Act, 1994 will allow anyone to access all restaurant inspection reports dating from October 1, 2008.
A restaurant-type facility includes public eating establishments such as restaurants, coffee shops, fast food outlets, public cafeterias and dining rooms.
The Ministry of Health conducted comprehensive consultations with numerous stakeholders, including the Consumers' Association of Canada, the Canadian Restaurant and Food Services Association (Manitoba-Saskatchewan Region) and the province's regional health authorities prior to introducing the new regulations. Regional health authorities are responsible for carrying out restaurant inspections in their area.
"I want to commend the restaurant industry and the consumers' association for their commitment to be open and accountable," McMorris said.
"The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) worked closely with Saskatchewan Heath officials on the development of this website, to ensure that consumers are receiving clear and complete information about restaurant inspections across the province," CRFA Manitoba-Saskatchewan Vice President Courtney Donovan said. "Safeguarding the health of our customers is the most important issue for restaurant operators in Saskatchewan."
A copy of the full inspection report for each restaurant is available from the health region in which the facility is located for a fee of $30 per application.
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For more information, contact:
Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: khill@health.gov.sk.ca