Food operations, including farmers' markets, retail stores, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and home-based operations, that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for sale are subject to the Virginia Food and Drink Law and related regulations.

Enforcement of these requirements includes regular periodic inspections of food establishments, including private homes. 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. Operations are subject to unannounced inspections and sampling, as well as an annual fee.

If you are interested in starting a catering company, please contact the Virginia Department of Health. Products containing meat are regulated by the Office of Meat and Poultry Services.

Listed below are guidance documents and informational handouts pertaining to food safety.

Resources

• Animals in Food & Beverage Establishments (pdf)
• Cleaning & Disinfecting Procedures – English (pdf)
• Cleaning & Disinfecting Procedure – Spanish (pdf)
• Conditional Employee or Food Employee Reporting Agreement – Form 1-B (pdf)
• Cooking Temperatures Fact Sheet (pdf)
• Cooling Methods Fact Sheet (pdf)
• FAQs: Virginia’s Home Kitchen Food Processing Exemptions (pdf)
• Food Safety & Glove Use (pdf)
• 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)
• Foodborne Illness Table (pdf)
• Guidelines for Providing Safe Food Samples at the Market (pdf)
• No Bare Hand Contact (pdf)
• Permit FAQs (pdf)