An industrial bakery, Tradition Fine Foods Ltd., based in Toronto, faced legal repercussions as it was convicted of Environmental Protection Act violations, resulting in a fine of $12,000 and a victim fine surcharge of $3,000.
Violations Unveiled
Tradition Fine Foods Ltd. was found guilty of failing to comply with the conditions of a ministry approval, notably the failure to prepare and maintain an operating manual as mandated. Additionally, the company was charged for using equipment that discharged contaminants into the natural environment.
Timeline of Offences
The violations occurred between October 27, 2021, and August 31, 2023, highlighting a period of prolonged non-compliance with environmental regulations.
Penalties Imposed
In light of the convictions, Tradition Fine Foods Ltd. was fined $12,000 and given a 45-day window to fulfill the payment obligations, which included a victim fine surcharge of $3,000.
Company Background
Tradition Fine Foods Ltd. operates an industrial bakery in Toronto, specializing in the production and distribution of various baked goods such as muffins, pastries, and croissants.
Compliance Failures
The company’s compliance issues date back to October 2011 when it was mandated by the ministry to prepare and maintain an operating manual. However, despite this requirement, Tradition Fine Foods Ltd. failed to fulfill its obligations, resulting in regulatory scrutiny.
Ministry Intervention
Ministry staff intervened following a civilian noise complaint in September 2021, leading to the discovery of several compliance lapses, including the absence of an updated operating manual and the unauthorized use of equipment generating noise emissions.
Ongoing Non-Compliance
Despite ongoing communication with the ministry and efforts to rectify the violations, Tradition Fine Foods Ltd. remained non-compliant for an extended period, only registering on the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) in August 2023.
Enforcement Actions
The convictions were a result of investigations carried out by the ministry’s Environmental Investigations and Enforcement Branch, signaling a firm stance on enforcing environmental regulations to safeguard the natural environment.
The case of Tradition Fine Foods Ltd. underscores the importance of adherence to environmental regulations within industrial operations. It serves as a reminder to businesses of the legal and financial consequences of non-compliance, highlighting the need for proactive measures to mitigate environmental impact and ensure regulatory compliance.
Leave a Reply