Temporary event food services may be held at exhibitions, fairs, community festivals, seasonal holiday events or similar organized community activities. Depending on the types of food being served, a temporary event food permit may be required. All temporary food service events must follow the Food Safety Guidelinesfor Temporary Events (PDF).

Requirements

Temporary Event Food Permit - Vendor

Vendors need to complete and submit the Temporary Event Food Permit

• Temporary Event Food Permit Application (PDF)
• Temporary Event Food Permit Application - Appendix A: Additional Event Information (PDF)
• Submit your application to your local Department of Environment and Climate Change office at least 2 weeks before to the event.
• A Public Health Inspector will review your application.

Temporary Event Food Permit – Organizer

Organizers need to complete and submit the Temporary Event Food Permit

• Temporary Event Food Permit Application (PDF)
• Submit your application to your local Department of Environment and Climate Change office 4 weeks before the event.
• A Public Health Inspector will review your application.

Events where a temporary event food permit isn’t required

If the food you’re serving is considered low risk, you don’t need a permit under the Food Safety Regulations. When you only serve exempt foods, no application is required.

• Temporary Event Food Permit Exemptions (PDF)
• Temporary Event Food Permit Exemptions: Arabic (PDF)
• Temporary Event Food Permit Exemptions: French (PDF)
• Temporary Event Food Permit Exemptions: Hindi (PDF)
• Temporary Event Food Permit Exemptions: Chinese (PDF)

Mobile food service units holding a permit in Nova Scotia don’t require a temporary event food permit.

Outdoor BBQ fundraisers, distributing commercially pre-cooked foods, don’t require a Temporary Event Food Permit.

• BBQ Fundraisers Factsheet (PDF)

Related Documents

• Food Guide Bleach Sanitizer (PDF)
• Food Safety Guidelines - Temporary Events (PDF)
• Guidelines for Bake Sales (PDF)
• Guidelines for Workers at BBQ Fundraisers (PDF)
• Permission to Use Permitted Eating Establishment (PDF)
• Self Inspection Checklist (PDF)
• Temperature Log Sheet (PDF)
• Temporary Event Food Permit Application Guide (PDF)
• Temporary Hand Wash Station (PDF)