Part VI. Physical Facilities
Article 1
Materials for Construction and Repair
12VAC5-421-2790. Indoor areas; surface characteristics.
Article 1
Materials for Construction and Repair
A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, materials for indoor floor, wall, and ceiling surfaces under conditions of normal use shall be:
1. Smooth, durable, and easily cleanable for areas where food establishment operations are conducted;
2. Closely woven and easily cleanable carpet for carpeted areas; and
3. Nonabsorbent for areas subject to moisture such as food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, warewashing areas, toilet rooms, mobile food establishment servicing areas, and areas subject to flushing or spray cleaning methods.
B. In a temporary food establishment:
1. A floor may be concrete, if graded to drain, machine-laid asphalt, or dirt or gravel if it is covered with mats, removable platforms, duckboards, or other approved materials that are effectively treated to control dust and mud; and
2. Walls and ceilings may be constructed of a material that protects the interior from the weather and windblown dust and debris.
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-2800. Outdoor areas; surface characteristics.
A. The outdoor walking and driving areas shall be surfaced with concrete, asphalt, or gravel or other materials that have been effectively treated to minimize dust, facilitate maintenance, and prevent muddy conditions.
B. Exterior surfaces of buildings and mobile food establishments shall be of weather-resistant materials and shall comply with law.
C. Outdoor storage areas for refuse, recyclables, or returnables shall be of materials specified under 12VAC5-421-2600 and 12VAC5-421-2610.
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.
Article 2
Design, Construction, and Installation
12VAC5-421-2810. Floors, walls, and ceilings
Article 2
Design, Construction, and Installation
Except as specified under 12VAC5-421-2840 and except for anti-slip floor coverings or applications that may be used for safety reasons, floors, floor coverings, walls, wall coverings, and ceilings shall be designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable.
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-2820. Floors, walls, and ceilings, utility lines.
A. Utility service lines and pipes shall not be unnecessarily exposed.
B. Exposed utility service lines and pipes shall be installed so they do not obstruct or prevent cleaning of the floors, walls, or ceilings.
C. Exposed horizontal utility service lines and pipes shall not be installed on the floor.
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.
12VAC5-421-2830. Floor and wall junctures, coved, and enclosed or sealed.
A. In food establishments in which cleaning methods other than water flushing are used for cleaning floors, the floor and wall junctures shall be coved and closed to no larger than 1/32 inch (1 mm). However, this subsection shall not apply to floor wall junctures in bed and breakfast operations serving 18 or fewer guests.
B. The floors in food establishments in which water flush cleaning methods are used shall be provided with drains and be graded to drain, and the floor and wall junctures shall be coved and sealed.
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 35, Issue 1, eff. October 3, 2018.
12VAC5-421-2840. Floor carpeting, restrictions and installation.
A. A floor covering such as carpeting or similar material shall not be installed as a floor covering in food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, warewashing areas, toilet room areas where handwashing lavatories, toilets, and urinals are located, refuse storage rooms, or other areas where the floor is subject to moisture, flushing, or spray cleaning methods.
B. If carpeting is installed as a floor covering in areas other than those specified under subsection A of this section, it shall be:
1. Securely attached to the floor with a durable mastic, by using a stretch and tack method, or by another method; and
2. Installed tightly against the wall under the coving or installed away from the wall with a space between the carpet and the wall and with the edges of the carpet secured by metal stripping or some other means.
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.
12VAC5-421-2850. Floor covering, mats and duckboards.
Mats and duckboards shall be designed to be removable and easily cleanable.
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.
12VAC5-421-2860. Wall and ceiling coverings and coatings.
A. Wall and ceiling covering materials shall be attached so that they are easily cleanable.
B. Except in areas used only for dry storage, concrete, porous blocks, or bricks used for indoor wall construction shall be finished and sealed to provide a smooth, nonabsorbent, easily cleanable surface.
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.
12VAC5-421-2870. Walls and ceilings, attachments.
A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, attachments to walls and ceilings such as light fixtures, mechanical room ventilation system components, vent covers, wall mounted fans, decorative items, and other attachments shall be easily cleanable.
B. In a consumer area, wall and ceiling surfaces and decorative items and attachments that are provided for ambiance need not meet this requirement if they are kept clean.
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.
12VAC5-421-2880. Walls and ceilings, studs, joists, and rafters.
Studs, joists, and rafters shall not be exposed in areas subject to moisture. This requirement does not apply to temporary food establishments.
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.
12VAC5-421-2890. Light bulbs, protective shielding.
A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, light bulbs shall be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; or unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
B. Shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant bulbs need not be used in areas used only for storing food in unopened packages, if:
1. The integrity of the packages can not be affected by broken glass falling onto them; and
2. The packages are capable of being cleaned of debris from broken bulbs before the packages are opened.
C. An infrared or other heat lamp shall be protected against breakage by a shield surrounding and extending beyond the bulb so that only the face of the bulb is exposed.
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.
12VAC5-421-2900. Heating, ventilating, air conditioning system vents.
Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems shall be designed and installed so that make-up air intake and exhaust vents do not cause contamination of food, food-contact surfaces, equipment, or utensils.
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.
12VAC5-421-2910. Insect control devices, design and installation.
A. Insect control devices that are used to electrocute or stun flying insects shall be designed to retain the insect within the device.
B. Insect control devices shall be installed so that:
1. The devices are not located over a food preparation area; and
2. Dead insects and insect fragments are prevented from being impelled onto or falling on exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
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.
12VAC5-421-2920. Toilet rooms, enclosed.
Except where a toilet room is located outside a food establishment and does not open directly into the food establishment such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall, a toilet room located on the premises shall be completely enclosed and provided with a tight-fitting and self-closing door.
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-2930. Outer openings, protected.
A. Except as specified in subsections B through E of this section, outer openings of a food establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by:
1. Filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls and ceilings;
2. Closed, tight-fitting windows; and
3. Solid self-closing, tight-fitting doors.
B. Subsection A of this section does not apply if a food establishment opens into a larger structure, such as a mall, airport, or office building, or into an attached structure, such as a porch, and the outer openings from the larger or attached structure are protected against the entry of insects and rodents.
C. Exterior doors used as exits need not be self-closing if they are:
1. Solid and tight-fitting;
2. Designated for use only when an emergency exists, by the fire protection authority that has jurisdiction over the food establishment; and
3. Restricted so they are not used for entrance or exit from the building for purposes other than the designated emergency exit use.
D. Except as specified in subsections B and E of this section, if the windows or doors of a food establishment, or of a larger structure within which a food establishment is located, are kept open for ventilation or other purposes, the openings shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by:
1. 16 mesh to 1-inch (16 mesh to 25.4 mm) screens;
2. Properly designed and installed air curtains to control flying insects; or
3. Other effective means.
E. Subsection D of this section does not apply if flying insects and other pests are absent due to the location of the establishment, the weather, or other limiting condition.
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.
12VAC5-421-2940. Exterior walls and roofs, protective barrier.
Perimeter walls and roofs of a food establishment shall effectively protect the establishment from the weather and the entry of insects, rodents, and other animals.
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.
12VAC5-421-2950. Outdoor food vending areas, overhead protection.
Except for machines that vend canned beverages, if located outside, a machine used to vend food shall be provided with overhead protection.
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-2960. Outdoor servicing areas, overhead protection.
Except for areas used only for the loading of water or the discharge of sewage or other liquid waste, through the use of a closed system of hoses, servicing areas shall be provided with overhead protection.
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-2970. Outdoor walking and driving surfaces, graded to drain.
Exterior walking and driving surfaces shall be graded to drain.
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.
12VAC5-421-2980. Outdoor refuse areas, curbed and graded to drain.
Outdoor refuse areas shall be constructed in accordance with law and shall be curbed and graded to drain to collect and dispose of liquid waste that results from the refuse and from cleaning the area and waste receptacles.
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.
12VAC5-421-2990. Private homes and living or sleeping quarters, use prohibition.
A private home, a room used as living or sleeping quarters, or an area directly opening into a room used as living or sleeping quarters shall not be used for conducting food establishment operations.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.
12VAC5-421-3000. Living or sleeping quarters, separation.
Living or sleeping quarters located on the premises of a food establishment such as those provided for lodging registration clerks or resident managers shall be separated from rooms and areas used for food establishment operations by complete partitioning and solid self-closing doors.
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.
12VAC5-421-3010. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
Article 3
Numbers and Capacities
12VAC5-421-3020. Handwashing cleanser, availability.
Article 3
Numbers and Capacities
Each handwashing sink or group of two adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap.Pf
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010; Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016.
12VAC5-421-3030. Hand drying provision.
Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with:
1. Individual, disposable towels;Pf
2. A continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel; Pf
3. A heated-air hand drying device;Pf or
4. A hand drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high-velocity, pressurized air at ambient temperatures.Pf
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010; Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016.
12VAC5-421-3040. Handwashing aids and devices, use restrictions.
A sink used for food preparation or utensil washing, or a service sink or curbed cleaning facility used for the disposal of mop water or similar wastes, shall not be provided with the handwashing aids and devices required for a handwashing sink as specified under 12VAC5-421-3020 , 12VAC5-421-3030, and 12VAC5-421-2650 C.
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010; Volume 37, Issue 18, eff. June 10, 2021.
12VAC5-421-3045. Handwashing signage.
A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands shall be provided at all handwashing sinks used by food employees and shall be clearly visible to food employees.
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-3050. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-3060. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-3070. Toilet tissue, availability.
A supply of toilet tissue shall be available at each toilet.Pf
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 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016.
12VAC5-421-3080. Lighting, intensity.
The light intensity shall be:
1. At least 10 foot candles (108 lux) at a distance of 30 inches (75 cm) above the floor, in walk-in refrigeration units and dry food storage areas and in other areas and rooms during periods of cleaning;
2. At least 20 foot candles (215 lux):
a. At a surface where food is provided for consumer self-service such as buffets and salad bars or where fresh produce or packaged foods are sold or offered for consumption;
b. Inside equipment such as reach-in and under-counter refrigerators;
c. At a distance of 30 inches (75 cm) above the floor in areas used for handwashing, warewashing, and equipment and utensil storage, and in toilet rooms; and
3. At least 50 foot candles (540 lux) at a surface where a food employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor.
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-3090. Ventilation, mechanical.
If necessary to keep rooms free of excessive heat, steam, condensation, vapors, obnoxious odors, smoke, and fumes, mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided.
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.
12VAC5-421-3100. Dressing areas and lockers, designation.
A. Dressing rooms or dressing areas shall be designated if employees routinely change their clothes in the establishment.
B. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be provided for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and other possessions.
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.
12VAC5-421-3110. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-3120. (Repealed.)
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; repealed, Volume 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
Article 4
Location and Placement
12VAC5-421-3130. Toilet rooms, convenience and accessibility.
Article 4
Location and Placement
Toilet rooms shall be conveniently located and accessible to employees during all hours of operation. Toilet rooms intended for use by customers shall not necessitate travel through food preparation or handling areas.
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.
12VAC5-421-3140. Employee accommodations, designated areas.
A. Areas designated for employees to eat, drink, and use tobacco shall be located so that food, equipment, linens, and single-service and single-use articles are protected from contamination.
B. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be located in a designated room or area where contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles can not occur.
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.
12VAC5-421-3150. Distressed merchandise, segregation and location.
Products that are held by the permit holder for credit, redemption, or return to the distributor, such as damaged, spoiled, or recalled products, shall be segregated and held in designated areas that are separated from food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles.Pf
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 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016.
12VAC5-421-3160. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
Article 5
Maintenance and Operation
12VAC5-421-3170. Repairing.
Article 5
Maintenance and Operation
The physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.
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.
12VAC5-421-3180. Cleaning, frequency and restrictions.
A. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
B. Except for cleaning that is necessary due to a spill or other accident, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed such as after closing.
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-3190. Cleaning floors, dustless methods.
A. Except as specified in subsection B of this section, only dustless methods of cleaning shall be used, such as wet cleaning, vacuum cleaning, mopping with treated dust mops, or sweeping using a broom and dust-arresting compounds.
B. Spills or drippage on floors that occur between normal floor cleaning times may be cleaned:
1. Without the use of dust-arresting compounds; and
2. In the case of liquid spills or drippage, with the use of a small amount of absorbent compound such as sawdust or diatomaceous earth applied immediately before spot cleaning.
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.
12VAC5-421-3200. Cleaning ventilation systems, nuisance and discharge prohibition.
A. Intake and exhaust air ducts shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials.
B. If vented to the outside, ventilation systems shall not create a public health hazard or nuisance or unlawful discharge.
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.
12VAC5-421-3210. Cleaning maintenance tools, preventing contamination.
Food preparation sinks, handwashing lavatories, and warewashing equipment shall not be used for the cleaning of maintenance tools, the preparation or holding of maintenance materials, or the disposal of mop water and similar liquid wastes.Pf
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.
12VAC5-421-3220. Drying mops.
After use, mops shall be placed in a position that allows them to air-dry without soiling walls, equipment, or supplies.
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.
12VAC5-421-3230. Absorbent materials on floors, use limitation.
Except as specified in 12VAC5-421-3190 B, sawdust, wood shavings, granular salt, baked clay, diatomaceous earth, or similar materials shall not be used on floors.
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.
12VAC5-421-3240. Cleaning of plumbing fixtures.
Plumbing fixtures such as handwashing sinks, toilets, and urinals shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and maintained and used as specified under 12VAC5-421-2310.
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 26, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2010.
12VAC5-421-3250. Closing toilet room doors.
Toilet room doors as specified under 12VAC5-421-2920 shall be kept closed except during cleaning and maintenance operations unless otherwise required by other regulations or law.
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.
12VAC5-421-3260. Using dressing rooms and lockers.
A. Dressing rooms shall be used by employees if the employees regularly change their clothes in the establishment.
B. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be used for the orderly storage of employee clothing and other possessions.
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.
12VAC5-421-3270. Controlling pests.
The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to minimize their presence on the premises by:
1. Routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies;
2. Routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests;
3. Using methods, if pests are found, such as trapping devices or other means of pest control as specified under 12VAC5-421-3360, 12VAC5-421-3440, and 12VAC5-421-3450;Pf and
4. Eliminating harborage conditions.
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 32, Issue 22, eff. July 12, 2016.
12VAC5-421-3280. Removing dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, and other pests.
Dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, and other pests shall be removed from control devices and the premises at a frequency that prevents their accumulation, decomposition, or the attraction of pests.
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.
12VAC5-421-3290. Storing maintenance tools.
Maintenance tools such as brooms, mops, vacuum cleaners, and similar items shall be:
1. Stored so they do not contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles; and
2. Stored in an orderly manner that facilitates cleaning the area used for storing the maintenance tools.
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.
12VAC5-421-3300. Maintaining premises, unnecessary items and litter.
The premises shall be free of:
1. Items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used; and
2. Litter.
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.
12VAC5-421-3310. Prohibiting animals.
A. Except as specified in subsections B and C of this section, live animals shall not be allowed on the premises of a food establishment.Pf
B. Live animals may be allowed in the following situations if the contamination of food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles cannot result:
1. Edible fish or decorative fish in aquariums, shellfish or crustacea on ice or under refrigeration, and shellfish and crustacea in display tank systems;
2. Patrol dogs accompanying police or security officers in offices and dining, sales, and storage areas, and sentry dogs running loose in outside fenced areas;
3. In areas that are not used for food preparation and that are usually open for customers, such as dining and sales areas, service animals that are controlled by the disabled employee or person if a health or safety hazard will not result from the presence or activities of the service animal;
4. Pets in the common dining areas of institutional care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, residential care facilities, and bed and breakfast operations at times other than during meals if:
a. Effective partitioning and self-closing doors separate the common dining areas from food storage or food preparation areas;
b. Condiments, equipment, and utensils are stored in enclosed cabinets or removed from the common dining areas when pets are present; and
c. Dining areas including tables, countertops, and similar surfaces are effectively cleaned before the next meal service;
5. In areas that are not used for food preparation, storage, sales, display, or dining, in which there are caged animals or animals that are similarly restricted, such as in a variety store that sells pets or a tourist park that displays animals; and
6. Dogs in outdoor dining areas if:
a. The outdoor dining area is not fully enclosed with floor to ceiling walls and is not considered a part of the interior physical facility;
b. The outdoor dining area is equipped with an entrance that is separate from the main entrance to the food establishment and the separate entrance serves as the sole means of entry for patrons accompanied by dogs;
c. A sign stating that dogs are allowed in the outdoor dining area is posted at each entrance to the outdoor dining area in such a manner as to be clearly observable by the public;
d. A sign within the outdoor dining area stating the requirements as specified in subdivisions 6 e, 6 f, and 6 g of this subsection is provided in such a manner as to be clearly observable by the public;
e. Food and water provided to dogs is served using equipment that is not used for service of food to persons or is served in single-use articles;
f. Dogs are not allowed on chairs, seats, benches, or tables;
g. Dogs are kept on a leash or within a pet carrier and under the control of an adult at all times; and
h. Establishment provides effective means for cleaning up dog vomitus and fecal matter.
C. Live or dead fish bait may be stored if contamination of food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles cannot result.
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; Volume 35, Issue 1, eff. October 3, 2018; Volume 37, Issue 18, eff. June 10, 2021.