Active Survey Alert: Government Survey on Restaurant Food Safety Grading

The Government of Alberta is currently seeking feedback on proposed restaurant inspection grading systems and a voluntary “food safety excellence” recognition program. The discussion follows the recent foodborne illness outbreak linked to a commissary kitchen serving daycare facilities and has prompted the government to review how food safety information is communicated to the public.

Restaurants and food service businesses with a food handling licence should have received the survey invitation.
If it slipped past your inbox, you can access it here: https://www.alberta.ca/food-safety-grading-system-and-excellence-program-survey

The Alberta Hospitality Association has shared our concerns that mandatory grading or recognition programs could create reputational risk for restaurants and add administrative complexity without meaningfully improving food safety outcomes. We believe consistent, risk-based inspections and clear enforcement are the most effective ways to ensure safe food service environments.

However, it is important that government hears directly from restaurant operators.

⏱ The survey takes approximately 25–30 minutes to complete, but it is an important opportunity to ensure the realities of operating a restaurant are reflected in future policy decisions.

📅 Survey deadline: March 22 at 11:59 PM

We encourage restaurant owners and operators to take the time to share their perspective.