Food Safety

The State of West Virginia revised Legislative Rule 64CSR17 concerning Food Establishments. This Rule adopts the 2013 FDA Model Food Code. Under this rule Local Health Departments are mandated to regulate restaurants, retail food stores, schools, hospitals, bars, day care centers, and any other permanent establishment dealing with food. 

Also under this rule, Health Departments regulate Temporary Food Establishments located at fairs, festivals, roadside stands, etc. Inspections on these facilities are conducted at least twice per year and more often if needed. 

In addition to the required Health Permit to operate, establishments must insure that all food service workers obtain a Food Handler's Permit. Classes for Food Handlers are conducted monthly at the health department or can be obtained anytime by going to StateFoodSafety™ - Food Handlers Card (print certificate and bring to Health Department for credit). These classes are designed to educate the proper techniques, methods, and requirements of a food establishment and it's workers.

West Virginia Department of Health (WVDH), West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA), and the West Virginia Farmers Market Association have worked together with other members of the West Virginia Food Safety and Food Defense Task Force to develop the Farmers Market Vendor Guide. This guide provides consistent information for farmers, food vendors, and sanitarians who work together to provide fresh, safe, and quality food for the consumer. This document is to be used for guidance to determine what food items may be sold and the conditions that must be met at the point of sale.