Inspections of food establishments are required by the Virginia Food and Drink Law. It is unlawful to operate as a retail food manufacturer, food storage warehouse, or retail food establishment until it has been inspected and has been issued a permit for the operation of the food establishment. Retail food establishments include convenience stores, grocery stores and seafood markets. (Note these exceptions from inspection.)

Enforcement of these requirements includes regular periodic inspections of food establishments. VDACS’ Food Safety Specialists, also known as inspectors, ensure that any food or beverage manufactured, produced, processed, packed, exposed, offered, possessed or held for sale is safe for human consumption, and in compliance with the Virginia Food and Drink Law and related regulations. Inspectors look for evidence of unsanitary conditions, mislabeling and the mishandling of food products that can lead to unsafe foods. Manufacturers are subject to unannounced inspections and sampling, as well as an annual fee. Further guidance is available in the Additional Resources section below.

Permit Applications

• Retail Food Establishment Permit Application (pdf)
• Wild Mushroom Harvester Application (pdf)
• Wild Mushroom Retail Sales Application (pdf)

Laws & Regulations

• Virginia Food and Drink Law
• Regulations Governing the Manufacturing and Sale of Products that Contain Industrial Hemp Extracts Intended for Human Consumption
• Virginia Retail Food Establishment Regulations

Additional Resources

• Animals in Food & Beverage Establishments (pdf)
• Cleaning & Disinfecting Procedures (pdf)
• Dogs on the Premises of Alcoholic Beverage Establishments (pdf)
• Edible Hemp Products Disclosure Form (pdf)
• Exemption from Inspection – General (pdf)
• Exemption from Inspection – Retailers of Edible Hemp Products (pdf)
• Food & Drug Administration
• Food Protection Manager Certification (English) (pdf)
• Food Protection Manager Certification (Spanish) (pdf)
• Food Protection Manager Certification (Arabic) (pdf)
• Food Protection Manager Certification (Korean) (pdf)
• Food Protection Manager Certification (Mandarin) (pdf)
• Form 1-B Conditional Employee or Food Employee Reporting Agreement (pdf)
• Virginia’s Finest Program
• Permit FAQs (pdf)

Contact

Click here to submit a complaint concerning foodborne illness, or conditions at a food manufacturer or retail store.

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files.