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Variety of food in take away boxes

Food Licences

HomeBusiness and DevelopmentBusiness Licences and PermitsFood Licences
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The City’s review of the Business Licensing By-law has been completed and Business Licensing By-law 122-2024 is effective November 4, 2024. Details on the review along with the approved program enhancements are available in Report SF-24-06. Previous Temporary Licence Exemptions that were in place related to Food Shop Licences no longer apply. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].   

Food Shop

There are several licence classes associated with the sale of food. More information for each licence class is provided below.

Food vendors selling at a temporary location or at Special Events in Oshawa require certain licences. Please review the following information carefully.

If you are unsure whether your business requires a Licence, please email [email protected] with a description of your business and the products you will sell for further guidance.

 Class "A" Food Shop Licence
A Class “A” Food Shop is any place where food is made for sale, offered for sale, stored or sold. This does not include a Refreshment Vehicle or Bed and Breakfast establishment.

If you are preparing, heating, or cooking food (e.g. cooking and serving food in a restaurant, heating food at a hot counter in a supermarket or convenience store, preparing and packaging sandwiches, etc.), you will require a Class “A” Food Shop Licence.

Examples of businesses that require a Class “A” Food Shop Licence include: restaurants, take-out restaurants, cafes, bakeries, convenience stores, and supermarkets.

This Licence class may qualify for a Modular Licence.

Low-Risk Pre-Packaged Food - If you exclusively sell low-risk pre-packaged foods (e.g. dry goods, bags of chips, bottles of pop, packaged candy, etc.), you do not require a Class “A” Food Shop Licence. A Class “A” Food Shop Licence is required if you do not exclusively sell low-risk pre-packaged food. For example, if you sell food that requires refrigeration or other forms of temperature control (e.g. dairy or meat products), you require a Class “A” Food Shop Licence.

Application Requirements

Fees for a new Class “A” Food Shop Licence: $250 ($50 application fee plus $200 new licence fee).

To apply for a new Class “A” Food Shop Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Business Name Registration or Franchise Agreement
  • Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)
  • Property Ownership or Lease of Premises for your place of business
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance with a liability limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence
  • You will also be required to provide the City with a Durham Region Health Inspection Report with Green Dine Safe designation for your business

Apply for a new Class "A" Food Shop Licence 

Renewal Requirements

Fees to renew your Class “A” Food Shop Licence: $200 ($50 application fee plus $150 renewal licence fee).

To renew your Class “A” Food Shop Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Business Name Registration or Franchise Agreement
  • Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance with a liability limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence

Renew your Class "A" Food Shop Licence 

 Class "B" Accessory to Food Shop Licence
An Accessory to Food Shop refers to any outdoor place adjacent to a Class “A” Food Shop where food intended for immediate consumption is made for sale, offered for sale, stored or sold. For example, a barbecue in front of a restaurant or on a patio would be considered an Accessory to Food Shop.

To apply for a Class “B” Accessory to Food Shop Licence, you must have a valid Class “A” Food Shop Licence. If you are applying for a new Class “A” Food Shop Licence, you can apply for a Class “B” Accessory to Food Shop Licence at the same time.

Application Requirements

There are no licensing fees for the Class “B” Accessory to Food Shop licence.

To apply for a Class “B” Accessory to Food Shop Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Land Use Authorization - Lease/Rental agreement or letter of authorization from the property owner of the proposed location for your Accessory to Food Shop set up
  • Basic Floor Plan of Premises - Site plan sketch/diagram of where your Accessory to Food Shop set up will be located, including parking spaces, entrances and exits, and other businesses located nearby
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate with a liability limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence

Apply for a new Class "B" Accessory to Food Shop Licence 

Renewal Requirements

There are no licensing fees to renew your Class “B” Accessory to Food Shop licence.

To renew your Class “B” Accessory to Food Shop Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Land Use Authorization - Lease/Rental agreement or letter of authorization from the property owner of the proposed location for your Accessory to Food Shop set up
  • Updated Floor Plan of Premises - Required if there have been any changes to the Accessory to Food Shop set up
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate with a liability limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence

Renew your Class "B" Accessory to Food Shop Licence 

 Class "C" Temporary Food Shop Licence
If you wish to sell food from a table/booth on a temporary basis, you will require a Class “C” Temporary Food Shop Licence. This Licence allows for sales activity for up to fifteen (15) days during a one (1) year licence term. This licence is also required if you are selling food from a booth/table at a Special Event, such as a festival, craft show or fair.

For example, a Class “C” Temporary Food Shop Licence allows you to:

  • Operate at the same location for up to 15 consecutive days, or
  • Operate at 5 different locations each for a 3-day period, or
  • Operate at 15 different locations for 15 different 1-day periods, etc.

Note: You must apply and provide details and documents for each different sales location during your one (1) year licence term.

Low-Risk Pre-Packaged Food - If you exclusively sell low-risk pre-packaged foods (e.g. dry goods, bags of chips, bottles of pop, packaged candy, etc.), you do not require a Class “C” Temporary Food Shop Licence. A Class “C” Temporary Food Shop Licence is required if you do not exclusively sell low-risk pre-packaged food. For example, if you are also selling food that requires refrigeration or other forms of temperature control (e.g. dairy/meat products), you do require a Class “C” Temporary Food Shop Licence.

Application Requirements

Fees for a Class “C” Temporary Food Shop Licence: $30 for the ability to operate up to fifteen (15) days during a one (1) year licence term. If you are operating for sixteen (16) days or more you will be subject to a Licence fee of $250.

If you already have a valid Class “A” Food Shop Licence, you are not required to pay the $30 licence fee for the Class “C” Temporary Food Shop.

To apply for a Class “C” Temporary Food Shop Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Land Use Authorization - Lease/Rental agreement or letter of authorization from the property owner of the proposed location for your Temporary Food Shop set up
  • Basic Floor Plan of Premises - Site plan sketch/diagram/map of where your Temporary Food Shop set up will be located, including parking spaces, entrances and exits, and other businesses located nearby
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance with a liability limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence
  • If you are cooking/warming/heating, refrigerating or using a generator or electrical source at the event:
    • Picture of your fire extinguisher that will be at the sales location
    • Picture of the manufacture date of your fire extinguisher
    • Fire extinguisher maintenance record tag or documentation from the service contractor to verify it has been serviced within one year

You will also be required to fill out a Durham Region Health “Community Special Events and Farmers’ Markets Vendor Application Form” for approval from the Durham Region Health Dept. for your Temporary Food Shop set up

Apply for a Class "C" Temporary Food Shop Licence 

 Class "D" Home Occupation Food Shop Licence
A Home Occupation Food Shop is any dwelling unit where food is made for sale, offered for sale, stored or sold. A Class “D” Home Occupation Food Shop Licence is valid for two (2) years.

Low-Risk Pre-Packaged Food - If you exclusively sell low-risk pre-packaged foods (e.g. dry goods, bags of chips, bottles of pop, packaged candy, etc.), you do not require a Class “D” Home Occupation Food Shop Licence. A Class “D” Home Occupation Food Shop Licence is required if you do not exclusively sell low-risk pre-packaged food. For example, if you are also selling food that requires refrigeration or other forms of temperature control (e.g. dairy/meat products), you do require a Class “D” Home Occupation Food Shop Licence. 

Application Requirements

Fees for a new Class “D” Home Occupation Food Shop Licence: $275 ($50 application fee plus $225 new licence fee). 

To apply for a new Class “D” Home Occupation Food Shop Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Business Name Registration
  • Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)
  • Property Ownership or Lease of Premises for your place of business
  • Basic Floor Plan of Premises - Site plan sketch/diagram showing the area of the home dedicated to the Home Occupation Food Shop, complete with room measurements (not required for licence renewal)
  • Fire Extinguisher Documentation - Photos of Fire Extinguisher, including:
    • Photo of location showing fire extinguisher that is in kitchen
    • Photo of the manufacture date of the fire extinguisher
    • Photo of fire extinguisher maintenance record tag or documentation from the service contractor to verify it has been serviced within one year

You will also be required to provide the City with a Durham Region Health Inspection Report with Green Dine Safe designation for your home based business

Apply a new Class "D" Home Occupation Food Shop Licence 

Renewal Requirements

Fees to renew this Licence: $200 ($50 application fee plus $150 renewal licence fee).

To renew your Class “D” Home Occupation Food Shop Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Business Name Registration
  • Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)
  • Property Ownership or Lease of Premises for your place of business
  • Fire Extinguisher Documentation - Photos of Fire Extinguisher, including:
    • Photo of location showing fire extinguisher that is in kitchen
    • Photo of the manufacture date of the fire extinguisher
    • Photo of fire extinguisher maintenance record tag or documentation from the service contractor to verify it has been serviced within one year

You will also be required to provide the City with a Durham Region Health Inspection Report with Green Dine Safe designation for your home based business

Renew your Class "D" Home Occupation Food Shop Licence 

Frequently Asked Questions about Food Shop Licences

How long does it take to get a Food Shop Licence?

A Food Licence takes about two (2) to four (4) weeks to issue. However, this depends on the inspections and approvals required from various departments.

What inspections are required?

Approvals from Oshawa Fire Services (O.F.S.), Property Standards, and Durham Region Health (D.R.H.) may be required before issuing your Food Licence. Once you submit your application, we will contact these departments to let them know that your business requires these inspections.

O.F.S. ensures your business complies with the Fire Code and our Property Standards Officers check for compliance with the City’s Property Standards By-law. D.R.H. inspects your facilities in order to issue you a Green Dine Safe Pass. 

What if my business is being renovated or under construction?

If you are renovating or building your business, you may require a building permit. Visit the Building Services webpage to learn more. If you need a business sign installed, please visit the Sign Permits webpage.

If you have an active building permit, your Food Shop Licence cannot be issued until it is closed.

Where can I open up my Food Shop business?

To check the zoning for your proposed business location, contact Planning Services or visit their Zoning webpage. 

Can I transfer my Food Shop Licence?

Business licences issued by the City, including Food Shop Licences, cannot be transferred to a new owner or to another location. If you are selling your business, the new owner must apply for a new Food Shop Licence. If you are moving your Food Shop business to a different location, you must apply for a new Food Shop Licence.

Refreshment Vehicles

A Refreshment Vehicle is defined as a vehicle or trailer from which food is prepared, offered, sold or otherwise made available for consumption by people. Refreshment Vehicles operating within the city of Oshawa must be licensed and must meet various operating standards depending on the type of vehicle. 

The City of Oshawa currently defines four (4) classes of Refreshment Vehicles.

VehicleDescriptionExample

Hot Dog Cart

A mobile refreshment vehicle that operates or is licensed to operate at one (1) location for no less than three (3) hours and not to exceed nine (9) hours on any day.

Hot dog cart

Mobile Refreshment Vehicle

A refreshment vehicle that is propelled by means other than an on-board motor or engine.

Ice cream bikes, coffee bikes, trailers

Motorized Refreshment Vehicle

A mobile refreshment vehicle that is self-propelled using an on-board motor or engine.

Food trucks, ice cream trucks

Stationary Refreshment Vehicle

A refreshment vehicle operated from one lot but does not include a Hot Dog Cart.

“Chip Trucks” as seen on various private property lots in Oshawa.

 

Class "A" Stationary Refreshment Vehicle Licence

Application Requirements

Fees for a new Class “A” Stationary Refreshment Vehicle Licence: $300 ($50 application fee plus $250 new licence fee).

To apply for a new Class “A” Stationary Refreshment Vehicle Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Business Name Registration and/or Franchise Agreement-
  • Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)
  • Land Use Authorization - Lease/Rental agreement or letter of authorization from the property owner of the proposed location of the Refreshment Vehicle
  • Basic Floor Plan of Premises - Site plan sketch/diagram/map showing the area of the property showing where your Stationary Refreshment Vehicle will operate and parking spaces
  • Vehicle/Trailer Information and Ownership
  • Photograph of Vehicle/Trailer
  • Fire Extinguisher Documentation - Picture of the on board fire extinguisher(s), including:
    • Photo of location showing fire extinguisher that is in Vehicle/Trailer
    • Photo of the manufacture date of the fire extinguisher
    • Photo of fire extinguisher maintenance record tag or documentation from the service contractor to verify it has been serviced within one year
  • T.S.S.A. Propane Certificate (if applicable)
  • T.S.S.A. Mobile Food Service Equipment Annual Inspection (if applicable)
  • Fire Suppression System Inspection (if applicable) - Dated within six (6) months; also known as N.F.P.A. 96 Commercial Cooking Suppression System
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate with a liability limit of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence

You will also be required to provide the City with a Durham Region Health Inspection Report with Green Dine Safe designation for your home based business

Apply for a new Class "A" Stationary Refreshment Vehicle Licence

Renewal Requirements

Fees to renew your current Class “A” Stationary Refreshment Vehicle Licence: $275 ($50 application fee plus $225 renewal licence fee).

To renew your Class “A” Stationary Refreshment Vehicle Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Land Use Authorization - Lease/Rental agreement or letter of authorization from the property owner of the proposed location of the Refreshment Vehicle
  • Fire Extinguisher Documentation - Picture of the on board fire extinguisher(s), including:
    • Photo of location showing fire extinguisher that is in Vehicle/Trailer
    • Photo of the manufacture date of the fire extinguisher
    • Photo of fire extinguisher maintenance record tag or documentation from the service contractor to verify it has been serviced within one year
  • T.S.S.A. Propane Certificate (if applicable)
  • T.S.S.A. Mobile Food Service Equipment Annual Inspection (if applicable)
  • Fire Suppression System Inspection (if applicable) - Dated within six (6) months; also known as N.F.P.A. 96 Commercial Cooking Suppression System
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate with a liability limit of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence

You will also be required to provide the City with a Durham Region Health Inspection Report with Green Dine Safe designation for your home based business

Renew your Class "A" Stationary Refreshment Vehicle Licence

Class "B" Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence

Application Requirements

Fees for a new Class “B” Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence: $330 ($50 application fee plus $280 new licence fee).

To apply for a new Class “B” Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Business Name Registration and/or Franchise Agreement
  • Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)
  • Vehicle/Trailer Information and Ownership
  • Photograph Vehicle/Trailer
  • Vehicle Safety Documentation - Vehicle Safety Standards Certificate and Passenger/Light Duty Vehicle Inspection Report
  • Fire Extinguisher Documentation - Picture of the on board fire extinguisher(s), including:
    • Photo of location showing fire extinguisher that is in Vehicle/Trailer
    • Photo of the manufacture date of the fire extinguisher
    • Photo of fire extinguisher maintenance record tag or documentation from the service contractor to verify it has been serviced within one year
  • T.S.S.A. Propane Certificate (if applicable)
  • T.S.S.A. Mobile Food Service Equipment Annual Inspection (if applicable)
  • Fire Suppression System Inspection (if applicable) - Dated within six (6) months; also known as N.F.P.A. 96 Commercial Cooking Suppression System
  • Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance Certificate with a liability limit of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per Accident
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate with a liability limit of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence

You will also be required to provide the City with a Durham Region Health Inspection Report with Green Dine Safe designation for your home based business

Apply for a new  Class "B" Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence

Renewal Requirements

Fees to renew your current Class “B” Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence: $310 ($50 application fee plus $260 renewal licence fee).

To renew your current Class “B” Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Vehicle/Trailer Information and Ownership
  • Vehicle Safety Documentation - Vehicle Safety Standards Certificate and Passenger/Light Duty Vehicle Inspection Report
  • Fire Extinguisher Documentation - Picture of the on board fire extinguisher(s), including:
    • Photo of location showing fire extinguisher that is in Vehicle/Trailer
    • Photo of the manufacture date of the fire extinguisher
    • Photo of fire extinguisher maintenance record tag or documentation from the service contractor to verify it has been serviced within one year
  • T.S.S.A. Propane Certificate (if applicable)
  • T.S.S.A. Mobile Food Service Equipment Annual Inspection (if applicable)
  • Fire Suppression System Inspection (if applicable) - Dated within six (6) months; also known as N.F.P.A. 96 Commercial Cooking Suppression System
  • Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance Certificate with a liability limit of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per Accident
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate with a liability limit of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence

You will also be required to provide the City with a Durham Region Health Inspection Report with Green Dine Safe designation for your home based business

Renew your Class "B" Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence

 Class "C" Temporary Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence

If you wish to sell food from a food truck or trailer on a temporary basis, you will require a Class “C” Temporary Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence. This Licence allows for sales activity for a period of up to fifteen (15) days during a one (1) year licence term. This licence is also required if you are selling food from a food truck or trailer at a Special Event, such as at a festival/craft show/fair.

For example, a Class “C” Temporary Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence allows you to:

  • Operate at the same location for up to 15 consecutive days, or
  • Operate at 5 different locations each for a 3-day period, or
  • Operate at 15 different locations for 15 different 1-day periods, etc.

Note: You must apply and provide details and documents for each different sales location during your one (1) year licence term.

Application Requirements

Fees for a new Class “C” Temporary Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence: $125 ($50 application fee plus $75 new licence fee) for up to fifteen (15) days during a one (1) year licence term.

If you are operating for sixteen (16) days or more, you will be subject to obtaining a Class “B” Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence with a fee of $330 ($50 application fee plus $280 licence fee).

To apply for a new Class “C” Temporary Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence, you must submit the following documents:

  • Business Name Registration and/or Franchise Agreement
  • Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)
  • Land Use Authorization - Lease/Rental agreement or letter of authorization from the property owner of the proposed location for your Temporary Mobile Refreshment Vehicle set up
  • Vehicle/Trailer Information and Ownership
  • Photograph Vehicle/Trailer
  • Vehicle Safety Documentation - Vehicle Safety Standards Certificate and Passenger/Light Duty Vehicle Inspection Report
  • Fire Extinguisher Documentation - Picture of the on board fire extinguisher(s), including:
    • Photo of location showing fire extinguisher that is in Vehicle/Trailer
    • Photo of the manufacture date of the fire extinguisher
    • Photo of fire extinguisher maintenance record tag or documentation from the service contractor to verify it has been serviced within one year
  • T.S.S.A. Propane Certificate (if applicable)
  • T.S.S.A. Mobile Food Service Equipment Annual Inspection (if applicable)
  • Fire Suppression System Inspection (if applicable) - Dated within six (6) months; also known as N.F.P.A. 96 Commercial Cooking Suppression System
  • Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance Certificate with a liability limit of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per Accident
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate with a liability limit of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence

You will also be required to provide the City with a Durham Region Health Inspection Report with Green Dine Safe designation for your home based business

Apply for a Class "C" Temporary Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence

Frequently Asked Questions about Refreshment Vehicles

Are Mobile/Motorized Refreshment Vehicles permitted in parks, or near schools and recreation centres?

The consent of all property owners is required to operate on a lot. If the City or a school were to permit a specific location, the Mobile/Motorized Refreshment Vehicle could operate there. If the City/school has not provided written consent for a particular location, the vendor would not be permitted to operate there.

Mobile/Motorized Refreshment Vehicles are prohibited from operating within one hundred metres (100 m) of a park and/or school; nevertheless, they are exempt from the one hundred metres (100 m) proximity requirement if they are operating on a highway closed under a Special Event Permit and/or at a park where a special event is  held; and, if the Mobile/Motorized Refreshment Vehicle has obtained written consent from the special event permit holder. Additionally, a Refreshment Vehicle is exempt from this distance requirement if the property owner or the school administration, as applicable, has given written permission for the Refreshment Vehicle to operate on the property.

Are Mobile/Motorized Refreshment Vehicles permitted to operate near residential areas?

Mobile/Motorized Refreshment Vehicles, such as ice cream trucks, can roam through residential areas for up to ten (10) minutes. These 10 minutes are extended if people within the queue have not been served. Refreshment Vehicles must obey all parking restrictions.

Mobile/Motorized Refreshment Vehicles are prohibited from operating within residential areas between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Mobile/Motorized Refreshment Vehicles are only permitted to operate on highways abutting residential zones for a longer period if the highway is closed due to a permitted special event and the Mobile/Motorized Refreshment Vehicle has written consent from the special event permit holder.

Are there proximity restrictions for operating near businesses?
  • Cannot operate within twenty metres (20 m) of a restaurant or bar unless participating in a special event where the City has issued a permit
  • Cannot operate within one hundred metres (100 m) of any park or school unless the refreshment vehicle has obtained written consent from the property owner or the school administration to vend on the property
  • Cannot operate within one hundred metres (100 m) of any special special event unless the special event permit holder has provided written consent
  • Cannot operate on any lot without the consent of the property owner
Can Mobile Refreshment Vehicles operate in the downtown core?

Refreshment Vehicles are only permitted on three (3) streets outlined on the Downtown Refreshment Vehicle Map:

  • Debwewin Miikan (formerly Bagot Street)
  • Metcalf Street
  • a portion of Richmond Street East

They must ensure the parking meter is paid for the duration of the time they occupy the space. Refreshment Vehicles must obey all other parking restrictions.

Can I have a Mobile and Stationary Refreshment Vehicle Licence for the same Refreshment Vehicle?

No, a Refreshment Vehicle cannot have a Mobile and Stationary Refreshment Vehicle Licence at the same time. A Refreshment Vehicle must either be mobile or stationary. 

Food Licences for Special Events

If you participate in a Special Event such as a festival/craft show/fair, and you prepare/sell from a booth/table, you will require a Class “C” Temporary Food Shop Licence. This licence allows you to sell food from a table/booth on a temporary basis for a period of up to fifteen (15) days during a one (1) year licence term.

If you participate in a Special Event such as a festival/craft show/fair, and you prepare/sell food from a food truck or trailer, you will require a Class “C” Temporary Mobile Refreshment Vehicle Licence. This licence allows you to sell food from a table/booth on a temporary basis for a period of up to fifteen (15) days during a one (1) year licence term.

If you are unsure if a Food Licence is required, please email [email protected] with a description of your business for further guidance.

For other types of Special Event licences, please visit the Special Event Licences webpage for more information.

Licences previously issued under Repealed Business Licensing By-law 120-2005 are valid for the duration of licence term and are subject to the requirements, regulations and conditions found in By-law 120-2005. Any renewal of a licence after that term has expired is subject to the requirements, regulations and conditions of Business Licensing By-law 122-2024.

Business and Development
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Contact Us

© 2022 City of Oshawa

Service Oshawa
1st Floor, West Wing, City Hall
50 Centre St. S.
Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7

Phone: 905-436-3311
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Email: [email protected]

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