Ontario Government Requirements

To purchase and process unpasteurized milk in Ontario, a company must obtain a licence for the operation of a plant from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The Director of the Food Inspection Branch, Dairy Food Safety Program is responsible for the issuing of dairy processing licences. Further information on the ministry’s requirements may be obtained by contacting the Dairy Food Safety Program manager at:

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Inspection Branch
Dairy Food Safety Program
5th Floor NW, 1 Stone Road
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2

Phone: 519-826-4180
Fax: 519-826-4375
Web site: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

The Dairy Food Safety Program manager can provide interested parties with further information on the government’s requirements and an application for a licence, if one is required.

Once an application for a licence has been received by the government, a notice is distributed to all industry partners (Ontario Dairy Council, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, etc.) asking them for comment on the application. All parties have the opportunity to either support or oppose the application. Based on the comments received, the Director of the Food Industry Branch may elect to call a hearing to provide all parties with the opportunity to formally present their arguments. Upon completion of the hearing the Director will indicate when his/her decision on the application can be expected. Regulation 761, Section 100 outlines the reasons why the Director may refuse to issue or renew a licence for the operation of a plant.