Chapter 421. Food Regulations

A device such as a water treatment device or backflow preventer shall be scheduled for inspection and service, in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and as necessary to prevent device failure based on local water conditions, and records demonstrating inspection and servi…

A. A reservoir that is used to supply water to a device such as a produce fogger shall be: 1. Maintained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications;P and 2. Cleaned in accordance with manufacturer's specifications or according to the procedures specified under subsection B …

If used, an impermeable cover such as a bandage, finger cot, or finger stall located on the wrist, hand, or finger of the food employee working with exposed food shall be covered with a single-use glove.Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A plumbing system shall be : 1. Repaired according to law;P and 2. Maintained in good repair.Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

Materials that are used in the construction of a mobile water tank, mobile food establishment water tank, and appurtenances shall be: 1. Safe;P 2. Durable, corrosion resistant, and nonabsorbent; and 3. Finished to have a smooth, easily cleanable surface.Statutory Authority§§ 35.1…

A mobile water tank shall be: 1. Enclosed from the filling inlet to the discharge outlet; and 2. Sloped to an outlet that allows complete drainage of the tank. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

If a water tank is designed with an access port for inspection and cleaning, the opening shall be in the top of the tank and: 1. Flanged upward at least one-half inch (13 mm); and 2. Equipped with a port cover assembly that is: a. Provided with a gasket and a device for securing …

A fitting with "V" type threads on a water tank inlet or outlet shall be allowed only when a hose is permanently attached. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A. Except as provided under subsection B of this section, food employees shall wear hair restraints, such as hats, hair coverings or nets, beard restraints, and clothing that covers body hair, that are designed and worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food;…

If provided, a water tank vent shall terminate in a downward direction and shall be covered with: 1. 16 mesh to 1-inch (16 mesh to 25.4 mm) screen or equivalent when the vent is in a protected area; or 2. A protective filter when the vent is in an area that is not protected from …

A. A water tank and its inlet and outlet shall be sloped to drain. B. A water tank inlet shall be positioned so that it is protected from contaminants such as waste discharge, road dust, oil, or grease. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A hose used for conveying potable water from a water tank shall be: 1. Safe;P 2. Durable, corrosion resistant, and nonabsorbent; 3. Resistant to pitting, chipping, crazing, scratching, scoring, distortion, and decomposition; 4. Finished with a smooth interior surface; and 5. Clea…

A filter that does not pass oil or oil vapors shall be installed in the air supply line between the compressor and potable water system when compressed air is used to pressurize the water tank system.PStatutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A cap and keeper chain, closed cabinet, closed storage tube, or other approved protective cover or device shall be provided for a water inlet, outlet, and hose. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A mobile food establishment's water tank inlet shall be: 1. Three-fourths inch (19.1 mm) in inner diameter or less; and 2. Provided with a hose connection of a size or type that will prevent its use for any other service. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of V…

A water tank, pump, and hoses shall be flushed and sanitized before being placed in service after construction, repair, modification, and periods of nonuse.P Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A person shall operate a water tank, pump, and hoses so that backflow and other contamination of the water supply are prevented. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

If not in use, a water tank and hose inlet and outlet fitting shall be protected using a cover or device as specified under 12VAC5-421-2440. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, a water tank, pump, and hoses used for conveying drinking water shall be used for no other purpose.P B. Water tanks, pumps, and hoses approved for liquid foods may be used for conveying drinking water if they are cleaned and…

A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, food employees shall not care for or handle animals that may be present such as patrol dogs, service animals, or pets that are allowed under 12VAC5-421-3310 B 2, 3, and 4.Pf B. Food employees with service animals may handle …

A sewage holding tank in a mobile food establishment shall be: 1. Sized 15% larger in capacity than the water supply tank; and 2. Sloped to a drain that is 1 inch (25 mm) in inner diameter or greater, equipped with a shut-off valve.Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the…

Food establishment drainage systems, including grease traps, that convey sewage shall be designed and installed as specified under 12VAC5-421-2180 A.Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

(Repealed.)

A. Except as specified in subsections B, C, and D of this section, a direct connection may not exist between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food, portable equipment, or utensils are placed.P B. Subsection A of this section does not apply to floo…

If used, a grease trap shall be located to be easily accessible for cleaning. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

Sewage shall be conveyed to the point of disposal through an approved sanitary sewage system or other system, including use of sewage transport vehicles, waste retention tanks, pumps, pipes, hoses, and connections that are constructed, maintained, and operated according to law.PS…

A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events that involve the discharge of vomitus or fecal matter onto surfaces in the food establishment. The procedures shall address the specific actions employees mu…

No public health hazard or nuisance shall result when sewage and other liquid wastes are removed from a mobile food establishment at an approved waste servicing area or by a permitted sewage transport vehicle.PfStatutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A tank for liquid waste retention shall be thoroughly flushed and drained in a sanitary manner during the servicing operation. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

Sewage shall be disposed through an approved facility that is: 1. A public sewage treatment plant;P or 2. An individual sewage disposal system that is sized, constructed, maintained, and operated according to the State Board of Health's regulations promulgated pursuant to Chapter…

Condensate drainage and other nonsewage liquids and rainwater shall be drained from point of discharge to disposal according to law. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

(Repealed.)

Food shall be safe, unadulterated, and, as specified in 12VAC5-421-890, honestly presented.PStatutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

An outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt and shall be smooth, durable, and sloped to drain.Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

If used, an outdoor enclosure for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be constructed of durable and cleanable materials. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables and for use with materials containing food residue shall be durable, cleanable, insect- and rodent-resistant, leakproof, and nonabsorbent. B. Plas…

Except for a receptacle for a beverage bottle crown closures, a refuse receptacle may not be located within a vending machine.Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A. Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables used with materials containing food residue and used outside the food establishment shall be designed and constructed to have tight-fitting lids, doors, or covers. B. Receptacles and waste handling u…

A. An inside storage room and area and outside storage area and enclosure, and receptacles shall be of sufficient capacity to hold refuse, recyclables, and returnables that accumulate. B. A receptacle shall be provided in each area of the food establishment or premises where refu…

A toilet room used by females shall be provided with a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, suitable cleaning implements and supplies such as high pressure pumps, hot water, steam, and detergent shall be provided as necessary for effective cleaning of receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, an…

A. An area designated for refuse, recyclables, returnables, and, except as specified in subsection B of this section, a redeeming machine for recyclables or returnables shall be located so that it is separate from food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-u…

Refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be stored in receptacles or waste handling units so that they are inaccessible to insects and rodents. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A. Food shall be obtained from sources that comply with law.P B. Food prepared in a private home shall not be used or offered for human consumption in a food establishment unless the home kitchen is inspected and regulated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Se…

Storage areas, enclosures, and receptacles for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be maintained in good repair. Statutory Authority§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, refuse receptacles not meeting the requirements specified under 12VAC5-421-2620 A such as receptacles that are not rodent-resistant, unprotected plastic bags and paper bags, or baled units that contain materials with food re…

Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered: 1. Inside the food establishment if the receptacles and units : a. Contain food residue and are not in continuous use; or b. After they are filled; and 2. With tight-fitting lids …