LIS

Virginia Law

Administrative Code

Creating a Report: Check the sections you'd like to appear in the report, then use the "Create Report" button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. Once the report is generated you'll then have the option to download it as a pdf, print or email the report.

Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 421. Food Regulations
11/5/2024

12VAC5-421-160. When to wash.

Food employees shall clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms as specified under 12VAC5-421-140 immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articlesP and:

1. After touching bare human body parts or hair other than clean hands and clean, exposed portions of arms;P

2. After using the toilet room;P

3. After caring for or handling service animals or aquatic animals as allowed under 12VAC5-421-250 B;P

4. Except as specified in 12VAC5-421-220 B, after coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking;P

5. After handling soiled equipment or utensils;P

6. During food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks;P

7. When switching between working with raw foods and working with ready-to-eat foods;P

8. Before donning gloves to initiate a task that involves working with foods;P and

9. After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands.P

Statutory Authority

§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 2, eff. October 16, 2007; Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

As a service to the public, the Virginia Administrative Code is provided online by the Virginia General Assembly. We are unable to answer legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice, including application of law to specific fact. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney.