Food Safety Policy

EventSpace is a marketplace that connects hosts who offer event venues with customers looking to book spaces for gatherings, celebrations, and other events. When food or beverage services are offered as part of a booking, the host providing those services bears full responsibility for food safety and compliance with applicable regulations.

This policy outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and guidelines that all parties must follow when food is involved in an EventSpace booking.

Hosts who offer food-related services (catering, drinks, snacks, or kitchen access) are responsible for the following:

• Proper food handling and storage: All food must be stored at appropriate temperatures. Raw and cooked foods must be separated. Perishable items must be refrigerated or kept on ice.
• Allergen disclosure: Hosts must clearly disclose all major allergens present in any food they prepare or serve, including but not limited to: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame.
• Temperature control: Hot foods must be maintained at 60°C (140°F) or above. Cold foods must be maintained at 4°C (40°F) or below. Food must not remain in the temperature danger zone (4°C-60°C) for more than two hours.
• Kitchen cleanliness: All food preparation areas must be clean, sanitized, and free of contamination before and after food preparation. Adequate handwashing facilities must be available.
• Food handling certification: Hosts who provide commercial food service are strongly recommended to hold a valid food handler certification. In Ontario, this may include a Food Handler Certificate from a public health unit-approved program.

Guests who book venues where food is served or where they intend to prepare food must:

• Disclose allergies: Guests must communicate any food allergies or dietary restrictions to the host before the event. This should be done through EventSpace messaging at the time of booking.
• Follow host kitchen rules:If the venue includes kitchen access, guests must follow the host's rules regarding kitchen use, equipment, and cleanup procedures.
• Report concerns:Guests should promptly report any food safety concerns to the host and, if necessary, to EventSpace through the platform's dispute resolution process.

• Communication platform: EventSpace provides messaging tools so hosts and guests can discuss food needs, allergies, and special dietary requirements before the event.
• Food safety guidelines: This policy and associated resources to help hosts understand best practices for food safety.
• Dispute resolution: If food safety issues arise during or after an event, EventSpace provides a dispute resolution process to help resolve the matter between host and guest.

EventSpace is a venue marketplace, not a food service provider. Accordingly, EventSpace does not:

• Prepare or handle food: EventSpace does not prepare, cook, store, or serve any food or beverages.
• Inspect or certify food safety: EventSpace does not conduct food safety inspections of venues or hosts. Certification is the sole responsibility of the host.
• Accept liability for foodborne illness: EventSpace is not liable for any illness, allergic reaction, or injury resulting from food consumed at events booked through the platform.
• Provide insurance for food-related incidents: Hosts are responsible for obtaining their own insurance coverage for food service activities if applicable.

The following categories help clarify responsibilities based on how food is sourced and prepared:

If you are hosting events in Ontario, Canada, the following regulations may apply:

• The Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) and Ontario Regulation 493/17 govern food safety standards for food premises in Ontario.
• Food handlers working in food premises that serve the public are required to have food safety training. A Food Handler Certificate from a program approved by the local public health unit is recommended.
• Temporary food events may require a Special Event Permit from the local public health unit, depending on the scale and nature of the food being served.
• Hosts must comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal food safety laws. This includes Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements for labeling and allergen disclosure.

Hosts who offer food services (Catering / Food, Drinks & Beverages, or Snacks & Appetizers) must provide the following information when creating their listing: