How to get a Food Handlers Permit in Virginia?

To obtain a food handlers permit in the state of Virginia, you must have at least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility who is a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). This individual must demonstrate proficiency of required knowledge and information by passing a test that is part of an accredited program. You can opt for either online or in-person training. After training, you need to apply for a Department of Health Foodservice Establishment Permit. Some jurisdictions may impose additional requirements or be more restrictive than the Virginia Food Regulations.

1.  Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Training

• Purpose: To provide the necessary food safety knowledge to the person in charge of food preparation and service. This is a requirement for food establishments in Virginia.
• Estimated Cost: $15.00.
• Instructions: You can opt for either online or in-person training. For online training, you can take the course provided by “State Food Safety” which costs $15 and can be completed in less than 90 minutes. Upon completion, you can print your food handler card. For in-person training, classes will be held at the Norfolk Department of Public Health located at 830 Southampton Ave, Norfolk, VA in Classroom B/C on the third floor. Registration begins 30 minutes prior to the start of the class at 2pm, and the class runs for approximately 90 minutes. The fee for the in-person class is also $15.00.

2.  Apply for a Department of Health Foodservice Establishment Permit

• Purpose: To legally operate a food establishment in the state of Virginia.
• Instructions: You need to download a food establishment permit application from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) website. The application form requires you to provide details about your establishment, such as its name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and physical location. After providing all the required information, sign the form, print your name and title, and date it. Once the form is completed, it needs to be submitted for official approval and permit issuance.

Useful Information Source Links:

• Virginia Department of Health – Food Safety in Virginia
• Virginia Administrative Code – Food Regulations
• Norfolk Department of Public Health – Food Service Employees Class

FAQs:

• What is a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)? A CFPM is an individual who has passed a test that is part of an accredited program. This individual has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service.
• Are there any exemptions to the CFPM requirement? Yes. Food establishments that serve only non-time/temperature-controlled food are exempt from the CFPM requirement.
• What is the cost of the CFPM training? The cost of the CFPM training is $15.00, whether you opt for online or in-person training.
• Where can I take the CFPM training? You can take the online training course through Virginia’s “State Food Safety” website. For in-person training, classes are held at the Norfolk Department of Public Health.
• What information is required for the Department of Health Foodservice Establishment Permit application? The application form requires details about the establishment such as its name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and physical location. You also need to provide the hours of operation and answer several questions about the type of food preparation and service provided by the establishment.

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