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Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
12/11/2024

Article 6. Food Identity, Presentation, and on-Premises Labeling

12VAC5-421-880. Standards of identity.

Article 6
Food Identity, Presentation, and On-Premises Labeling

Packaged food shall comply with standard of identity requirements in 21 CFR Parts 131‑169 and 9 CFR Part 319, and the general requirements in 21 CFR Part 130 and 9 CFR Part 319, Subpart A.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

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

12VAC5-421-890. Honestly presented.

A. Food shall be offered for human consumption in a way that does not mislead or misinform the consumer.

B. Food or color additives, colored overwraps, or lights shall not be used to misrepresent the true appearance, color, or quality of a food.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 2, eff. October 16, 2007.

12VAC5-421-900. Food labels.

A. Food packaged in a food establishment, shall be labeled as specified in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including 21 CFR Part 101 and 9 CFR Part 317.

B. Label information shall include:

1. The common name of the food, or absent a common name, an adequately descriptive identity statement;

2. If made from two or more ingredients, a list of ingredients and sub-ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight, including a declaration of artificial colors, artificial flavors, and chemical preservatives, if contained in the food;

3. An accurate declaration of the net quantity of contents;

4. The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; and

5. The name of the food source for each major food allergen contained in the food unless the food source is already part of the common or usual name of the respective ingredient;Pf

6. Except as exempted in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act § 403(Q)(3) through (5), nutrition labeling as specified in 21 CFR Part 101 and 9 CFR Part 317, Subpart B; and

7. For any salmonid fish containing canthaxanthin or astaxanthin as a color additive, the labeling of the bulk fish container, including a list of ingredients, displayed on the retail container or by other written means, such as a counter card, that discloses the use of canthaxanthin or astaxanthin.

C. Bulk food that is available for consumer self-dispensing shall be prominently labeled with the following information in plain view of the consumer:

1. The manufacturer's or processor's label that was provided with the food; or

2. A card, sign, or other method of notification that includes the information specified under subdivisions B 1, 2, and 6 of this section.

D. Bulk, unpackaged foods such as bakery products and unpackaged foods that are portioned to consumer specification need not be labeled if:

1. A health, nutrient content, or other claim is not made;

2. There are no state or local laws requiring labeling; and

3. The food is manufactured or prepared on the premises of the food establishment or at another food establishment or a food processing plant that is owned by the same person and is regulated by the food regulatory agency that has jurisdiction.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 2, eff. October 16, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2010; Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016; Volume 37, Issue 18, eff. June 10, 2021.

12VAC5-421-910. Other forms of information.

A. If required by law, consumer warnings shall be provided.

B. Food establishment or manufacturers' dating information on foods shall not be concealed or altered.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 2, eff. October 16, 2007.

12VAC5-421-920. [Reserved]. (Reserved)

12VAC5-421-930. Consumer advisory: consumption of animal foods that are raw, undercooked, or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens.

A. Except as specified in 12VAC5-421-700 C and D 4 and under subdivision 3 of 12VAC5-421-950, if an animal food such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish is served or sold raw, undercooked, or without otherwise being processed to eliminate pathogens, either in ready-to-eat form or as an ingredient in another ready-to-eat food, the permit holder shall inform consumers of the significantly increased risk of consuming such foods by way of a disclosure and reminder, as specified in subsections B and C of this section, using brochures, deli case or menu advisories, label statements, table tents, placards, or other effective written means.Pf

B. Disclosure shall include:

1. A description of the animal-derived foods, such as "oysters on the half shell (raw oysters)," "raw-egg Caesar salad," and "hamburgers (can be cooked to order)";Pf or

2. Identification of the animal-derived foods by asterisking them to a footnote that states that the items are served raw or undercooked, or contain (or may contain) raw or undercooked ingredients.Pf

C. Reminder shall include asterisking the animal-derived foods requiring disclosure to a footnote that states:

1. "Regarding the safety of these items, written information is available upon request";Pf

2. "Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness";Pf or

3. "Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions."Pf

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 2, eff. October 16, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016; Volume 37, Issue 18, eff. June 10, 2021.

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