Northern Health has issued a health hazard alert advising residents not to purchase or consume any products from Skaajaagid Candy, an unapproved food processor based in Port Clements.
According to Northern Health, Skaajaagid Candy has been selling candy and possibly other food products from an uninspected and unapproved kitchen. Products have reportedly been sold at markets across Haida Gwaii as well as online.
The health authority has ordered the operator to cease all sales immediately and is advising anyone who purchased products from Skaajaagid Candy to dispose of them due to the potential risk of contamination.
Under British Columbia’s Food Premises Regulation, anyone preparing food for public consumption must operate from an approved facility and obtain a valid health approval or operating permit before selling. This process requires submitting plans to the Environmental Health Services office, meeting facility and equipment standards, and passing inspection.
Certain low-risk foods, such as pre-packaged hard candies, cotton candy, or whole fruits and vegetables may be exempt from permits when sold at temporary markets, but higher-risk foods must be prepared in an approved, inspected kitchen. Higher risk items include any food that can support the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as those containing dairy, eggs, meat, or cream fillings.
Home preparation of food for sale is only permitted for specific low-risk items, provided they are labelled, packaged, and handled in a way that meets Northern Health standards. All other products require production in a commercial kitchen with an operating permit.
Northern Health says that when it becomes aware of unapproved food production for public sale, Environmental Health Officers work with the operator to achieve compliance with relevant regulations.
For more information about this advisory or about Northern Health’s food safety requirements, residents can contact Northern Health Public Health Protection at 250-565-7322 or email [email protected].
