{"id":2570,"date":"2018-02-11T21:56:21","date_gmt":"2018-02-11T21:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/?page_id=2570"},"modified":"2026-03-25T13:21:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T17:21:34","slug":"food-safety","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/food-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Food safety"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-2570\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-2570-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-2570-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-2570-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Restaurant\">Restaurant Inspections<\/a> <\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Food\"><strong>Food Establishment Permits <\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Mobile\">Mobile Food Units<\/a> <\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Temporary\">Temporary Food Vendors<\/a> <\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Certified\">Certified Food Protection Manager<\/a> <\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Foodborne\">Foodborne Illness and Food Complaints<\/a>\u00a0 <\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Comprehensive\">Comprehensive Guide for Food Establishments<\/a> <\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#Wholesale\">Wholesale, home operations and packaging your products<\/a> <\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/emergency-guidelines-for-food-facilities-under-a-boil-water-advisory-bwa\/\">Boil Water Advisory Guidelines<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Important Application and Payment Changes<\/h2>\n<p>Environmental Health Services is still accepting food establishment, mobile food unit and plan review applications by U.S. Postal Mail, fax and email: <strong><span style=\"color: #007878;\"><a style=\"color: #007878;\" href=\"mailto:ehrchd@vdh.virginia.gov\">ehrchd@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. During this time, they will accept credit card payments over the phone. Environmental Health Specialists are still available for phone consultation, foodborne illness related complaints and acute public health related complaints. Please contact 804-205-3912 for more information or to make a credit card payment. Please mail applications and payments to Richmond City Health District Environmental Health, 400 E. Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Please fax applications to 804-371-2208.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Stay up-to-date at the VDH Environmental Health <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/\">website<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"Restaurant\"><\/a>Restaurant and Health Inspection Reports<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>A major part of the division\u2019s work is permitting and regulating food establishments.\u00a0 There are over 1,100 food establishments in the City of Richmond.\u00a0 These establishments include restaurants, mobile food units, school cafeterias, day care centers, adult homes, hospital kitchens and coffee shops. They are regularly inspected as determined by the uniform statewide risk categorization system.<\/p>\n<p><span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">To see Richmond and Henrico restaurant inspections, please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/inspections.myhealthdepartment.com\/va-richmond\">Richmond Health Inspection webpage<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/inspections.myhealthdepartment.com\/va-henrico\">Henrico Health Inspection webpage<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/inspections.myhealthdepartment.com\/virginia\">State health Inspection Reports<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"Food\"><\/a>Food Establishment Permits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Anyone planning to operate a food establishment in the City of Richmond is required to apply for a food establishment permit with the Richmond City Health District. A complete plan review is conducted on all new and remodeled establishments.\u00a0 For more information on how to open a food establishment in the City of Richmond and a complete list of all required documents, please review the \u201cOpening a Food Establishment\u201d guidance below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2023\/12\/Opening-a-Food-Establishment-Procedures-Checklist-Final-Inspection-Checklist-RCHD.pdf\">Opening a Food Establishment Guidance Document<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter421\/\"><u>Virginia Food Regulations<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/VDH-Foodservice-Permit-Application.pdf\"><u>Food Establishment Permit Application ($40 Fee)<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2023\/12\/Plan-Review-Form-2019.pdf\"><u>Food Establishment Plan Review Application ($40 Fee)<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"Mobile\"><\/a>Mobile Food Units<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Mobile Food Units are mobile food establishments. \"Mobile food unit\" means a food establishment mounted on wheels (excluding boats in the water) readily moveable from place to place at all times during operation and shall include, but not be limited to, pushcarts, trailers, trucks, or vans. The unit, all operations, and all equipment must be integral to and be within or attached to the unit.\u00a0 Mobile Food Units now have stickers as a permit which must be placed on the unit in plain view of the public.<\/p>\n<p>Mobile Food Units applicants are required to submit a Mobile Food Unit Permit Application and Mobile Food Unit Plan Review. Please see Mobile Food Unit Plan Review for a complete list of all documents required to be submitted.\u00a0 Please see Mobile Unit Guidance Document for details regarding mobile food units, trucks, trailers etc.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2023\/12\/Mobile-Unit-GuidelinesOEHS-2017.pdf\">Mobile Food Unit Guidance Document<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2023\/12\/Mobile-Food-Unit-Permit-Application-and-Commissary-Form-2019.pdf\">Mobile Food Unit Permit Application with Commissary Form ($40 Fee) <\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2023\/12\/Mobile_Food_Unit_Plan_Review_2020.pdf\">Mobile Food Unit Plan Review Form ($40 fee) <\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2024\/07\/Mobile-Food-Unit-Sticker-Placement-Guidance.pdf\">Mobile Food Unit Sticker Placement Guidance <\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2024\/07\/National-Fire-Protection-Association-Fact-Sheet.pdf\">Mobile Food Unit Richmond City Fire Marshal Guidance<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2024\/07\/US-Department-of-Transportation-Compressed-Gas-Guidance.pdf\">U.S. Department of Transportation Compressed Gas Guidance<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2024\/07\/National-Fire-Protection-Association-Fact-Sheet.pdf\">National Fire Protection Association Fact Sheet<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2024\/07\/Mobile-food-preparation-vehicle-handout.pdf\">Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Handout\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"Temporary\"><\/a>Temporary Food Vendors and Special Events<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>A Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) is a type of food establishment that operates for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration, including carnivals, fairs, festivals, and other events. \u00a0These establishments are distinguished from other classes of food establishments such as mobile food establishments, caterers, and traditional restaurants. <strong>Those who already hold a Virginia Department of Health Food Establishment<\/strong> <strong>Permit DO NOT NEED TO APPLY FOR A TEMPORARY FOOD ESTABLISHMENT PERMIT<\/strong>.\u00a0 A copy of your current food establishment permit will serve as your permit at the event and shall be posted at the event.\u00a0 In addition, a copy of your permit should be submitted to the coordinator of the event and the Richmond City Health District.\u00a0 Those without a valid VDH Food Establishment Permit must apply for a temporary permit. \u00a0<strong>Applications for a Temporary Food Establishment Permit MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EVENT. The Fee is $40 annually. <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2024\/07\/Event-Coordinator-Application-rev-Aug-2024.pdf\"><u>Coordinator\u2019s Application for a Temporary Event<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2024\/07\/Temporary-Food-Establishment-ApplicationNEW.pdf\"><u>Temporary Food Establishment Application ($40 Fee Annually)<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/119\/2024\/07\/Food-Safety-at-Temporary-Events-Guidelines-and-Checklist-for-Vendors.pdf\">Food Safety at Temporary Events - Guidelines and Checklist for Vendors<\/a><\/li>\n<li><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/food-safety-in-virginia\/tfe\/\">More Information About Temporary Food Establishments<\/a> <\/u><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a id=\"Certified\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><\/a><a><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Certified Food Protection Manager<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<\/a>At least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service shall be a certified food protection manager, demonstrating proficiency of required knowledge and information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/food-safety-in-virginia\/food-operators\/cfpm\/\">For more information on Certified Food Protection Manager<\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"Foodborne\"><\/a>Foodborne Illness and Food Complaints<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Richmond City Health District investigates suspected foodborne illness and food establishment complaints. Please contact our office directly at 804-205-3912 to make a complaint. If you wish to submit your complaint online, please use the online reporting system - My Meal Detective: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/foodborne-illness-report\/\">https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/foodborne-illness-report\/<\/a><u><\/u><\/p>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"Comprehensive\"><\/a>Comprehensive Guide for Food Establishments<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>This guidance includes disruptions in electrical and gas services, water supply contamination and interruption, sewage backups, and flooding. Since you may experience difficulties accessing the server, you may want to download the documents prior to the storm and\/or print them as well.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/food-safety-in-virginia\/food-guidance-documents\/\">Comprehensive Guide for Food Establishments<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong><a id=\"Wholesale\"><\/a>Wholesale, home operations and packaging your products<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"gmail_default\">Are you interested in selling your product to another business or restaurant?\u00a0 Distributing to a retail store?\u00a0 Making food in your home? Contact the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdacs.virginia.gov\/dairy-kitchen-food-services-businesses.shtml\">Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services<\/a> for more information.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-2570-0-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_origin_call-to-action panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"origin-widget origin-widget-call-to-action origin-widget-call-to-action-simple-light_dashed\"><h2 class=\"title\"><\/h2>\n<h5 class=\"subtitle\"><\/h5>\n<div class=\"origin-widget origin-widget-button origin-widget-button-simple-white align-none\"><a href=\"\" \n>\n\tBack to Top<\/a>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Restaurant Inspections Food Establishment Permits Mobile Food Units Temporary Food Vendors Certified Food Protection Manager Foodborne Illness and Food Complaints\u00a0 Comprehensive Guide for Food Establishments Wholesale, home operations and packaging [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":590,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2570","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - 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