Public Safety Protocols for Ontario’s Farmers’ Markets

Updated March 17, 2022

Farmers’ markets, as businesses that primarily sell food, are considered essential workplaces. As such, two models of farmers’ market may operate, with the appropriate approvals, during this time.

The protocols that follow for each model have been developed in consultation with public health officials and must be reviewed and adapted in consultation with the local public health unit  to meet each market’s specific operational requirements.

OPTION 1: Protocols for indoor or outdoor market with in-person shopping

Market managers/organizers must ensure:

  1. They contact their local public health unit  (PHU) and present a safety plan (including a diagram showing a proposed market layout and a complete list of vendors and their products) and review this protocol adapting the plan, as required by the PHU, based on their operation/location.
  2. Food and other approved products can be offered for sale effective June 11, 2021.  Other products are subject to public health approval.
  3. Masks are required at indoor markets until March 20, 2022.
  4. Washroom(s) and/or hand sanitizer station(s) is/are available for all shoppers/vendors to wash their hands as required.
  5. Washroom(s)/hand washing station(s) are properly stocked and frequently cleaned and disinfected.
  6. There is no sampling of food.
  7. There is no use of reusable or customer supplied containers.

Food Vendors should respect the following measures to protect themselves and shoppers:

  1. Wash hands regularly and thoroughly (minimum 20 seconds) with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  2. Clean and sanitize frequently-touched market stand surfaces regularly (with household cleaners or diluted bleach solution of 1-part bleach to 9 parts water).
  3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  4. Cover mouth and nose with bent elbow or tissue if coughing or sneezing.
  5. Not attend the Market if not well.

OPTION 2: Protocols for E-Commerce/E-Market protocols

If individual markets plan to operate an e-commerce model with a drive/walk-through pickup of pre-ordered and prepaid products, market managers/organizers must ensure:

  1. Food and other approved products can be offered for sale effective June 11, 2021.  Other products are subject to public health approval.
  2. They contact their local public health unit to confirm the operating procedures for their specific operation and proper handwashing and sanitizing protocols, including:
    • A written plan showing traffic circulation.
    • A delivery plan based on the number of orders and drive-up customers – if there are a lot, consider staggering times for pickup based on last names (A-E 9-9:30am, F-J 9:30 -10am etc.) and
    • Hand washing/alcohol-based hand sanitizing facilities are available for vendors/volunteers.
    • Surfaces where orders are placed or organized are cleaned and disinfected regularly (with household cleaners or diluted bleach solution of 1-part bleach to 9 parts water).
    • Food products are packaged and orders must be prepackaged in new, single use boxes or bags and labelled with customer names or order numbers.
    • Refrigerated and frozen products must be maintained at proper temperatures.

We encourage all members to share your thoughts on the FMO Market Manager Facebook Group page.