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
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.

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Fast Track Amendments to Update APA Language and Remove DIBR Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/02/2025.
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 Food Regulations to conform to Chapter 853 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly; General Medication Storage Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/31/2025.
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
2/5/2025 Filed Pending
10/20/2021 Agency Completed Retain As Is
8/6/2019 Agency Completed Amend
12/13/2013 Agency Completed Amend