Important Information for Overnight Lodging Facilities Permitted by VDH:

HUMAN TRAFFICKING TRAINING:

VDH regulates overnight lodging facilities (hotels, motels, inns, bed-and-breakfasts) through Title 35.1. Hotels, Restaurants, Summer Camps, and Campgrounds. The new section, § 35.1-15.1, will require Human Trafficking training for all employees, as defined in the chapter. This training will be regulated by VDH through Chapter 431. Sanitary Regulations for Hotels.

For training, visit:

Human Trafficking - Environmental Health (virginia.gov)

HOTEL OWNERS, including MOTELS, INNS, & BED-AND-BREAKFASTS:

Since July 1st 2023, all employees are REQUIRED by law to complete training on how to recognize & report instances of suspected human trafficking.

During routine inspections, Environmental Health Specialists are required to check hotel employees training records. Please have them ready for review.

Click for more information

CFPM (Certified Food Protection Manager) REQUIREMENT:

Per 12VAC5-421-55, food establishments are required to have at least one employee that has completed an accredited Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Program.

Food establishments that meet one of the following criteria may be exempt from CFPM:

Only serves non-time/temperature control for safety foods (shelf-stable). Examples: potato chips or baked goods
Only cold holds or reheats commercially processed, fully cooked time/time control for safety foods for immediate service. Examples: cold sandwiches or reheating pre-cooked chicken nuggets to be served directly to consumer

Any food establishment that is conducting hot holding, cooling, or cooking from raw animal protein is required to have a Certified Food Protection Manager certification. Please note, this also includes hotels and motels that are hot holding breakfast items, such as eggs, sausage, or potatoes.

Temporary Events

Any public event that includes food vendors must submit an Event Coordinator’s Application at least 10 days prior to the start of the event for 10 or less vendors and 30 days prior to the event start date for greater than 10 vendors.

The application should include the following:

A list of all participating food vendors, including contact information
A map indicating the layout of the event

Food vendors must hold a current Virginia food permit in order to participate at temporary events.

If a participating vendor has a current Virginia food permit:

Provide a copy of the permit
Provide a copy of the most recent health inspection report

If a participating vendor does not hold a Virginia food permit:

Submit a Temporary Food Service Vendor Application. The application and associated fee must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the event.
A copy of their Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate, if applicable

RABIES

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it. The rabies virus is mainly in the saliva and brain of rabid animals. It can be transmitted through a bite or by getting saliva or brain tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth.

What You Can Do to Help Control Rabies:

Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up-to-date. If your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild animal, report it to the local health or animal control authorities. Be sure your vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret receives a booster vaccination.
Limit the possibility of exposure by keeping your animals on your property. Don’t let pets roam free.
Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. It may attract wild or stray animals.
Do not keep wild animals as pets. Enjoy all wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame. If you see an animal acting strangely, report it to your local animal control department and do not go near it yourself.

For more information, contact your local health department.

Important Links: