Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Virginia Department of Health
Board
State Board of Health
 
chapter
Food Regulations [12 VAC 5 ‑ 421]
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description These regulations update previous regulations governing restaurants and food establishments in the Commonwealth.
State Authority Section 35.1-11 and Section 35.1-14
Federal Authority None entered
Exempt from APA No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act.
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation None entered
Meetings See all meetings (6) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Julie Henderson  / Director, Office of Environmental Health Services
Address:
109 Governor St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Email Address: julie.henderson@vdh.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)864-7455    FAX: (804)864-7475    TDD: (800)828-1120
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Amend Chapter 421 to Adopt 2022 FDA Food Code Fast-Track Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
Amend Food Regulations to conform to Chapter 853 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly; General Medication Storage Fast-Track Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Amend Regulations to Conform to Chapter 393 of the 2022 Acts of Assembly
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/23/2022.
Amend Chapter 421 to Adopt 2017 FDA Food Code Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/24/2021.
Amend Food Regulations to Comply with Chapter 674 of the 2018 Acts of Assembly Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/17/2019.
Amend Regulations to Update Documents Incorporated by Reference Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/17/2019.
Amend Regulations to Comply with Chapter 450 of 2018 Acts of Assembly
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/03/2018.
Amend Regulations to be consistent with the 2013 USFDA Food Code and the Supplement to the Food Code Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/12/2016.
Revision to Food Regulations Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/01/2010.
2006 Amendment pursuant to Law Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/16/2007.
Promulgation of Regulations Governing Restaurants (with REPEAL of Chapter 420) Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/28/2002.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
10/20/2021 Agency Completed Retain As Is
8/6/2019 Agency Completed Amend
12/13/2013 Agency Completed Amend