Quebec company fined $30,000 for selling unapproved food truck to eastern Ontario caterer

A gavel sits on a desk in Ottawa, Wednesday Feb. 13, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) says a Quebec-based company has been fined $30,000 for selling an unapproved food truck to a caterer in eastern Ontario.

Franc Métal & Frères, based in Saint-Hubert, Que., pleaded guilty to two offences under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, the TSSA said in a news release. The truck, built in 2010, was equipped with propane-fueled appliances, but had not been certified for propane use.

The TSSA says the company affixed a falsified field approval label to the truck, which was sold to a business in Carleton Place, Ont.

All food trucks built after Feb. 13, 2006, must have a Field Approval from TSSA or be certified and labelled by a certification organization that is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada. Food trucks must also be inspected annually by a TSSA-certified technician.

“The use of propane in food trucks can pose risks to owners, operators, and customers due to movement, vibration, and the presence of ignition sources on board. That’s why these vehicles must meet provincial safety regulations,” said TSSA Director of Fuel Safety Owen Kennedy.

“Selling an unapproved food truck with a fake TSSA approval label is irresponsible, and those who cut corners will face legal consequences.”

The TSSA says the Ontario Court of Justice imposed a 25 per cent victim surcharge in addition to the $30,000 fine.

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