Virginia Beach, VA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Manager on-site
- At least 8 hrs/operating day
- Certification fee
- $10, valid 5 years
- Enforcing agency
- Virginia Beach Health Department
- Exempt
- Prepackaged-only, short temporary events
- Max fine
- $1,000 per day
Summary
Every Virginia Beach food service establishment must have a certified food service manager on-site at least 8 hours per operating day.
After May 1, 1989, no person shall operate a food service establishment unless its food handling operation is under the immediate control of a person holding a valid food service manager's certification. This shall require that a certified food manager be present during a minimum of eight (8) hours of operation per operating day in each food service establishment. The manager must be a full-time employee of the food service establishment in question.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Since May 1, 1989, no one may operate a food service establishment in Virginia Beach unless a certified food service manager controls the food handling operation, present at least eight hours per operating day and employed full-time by the establishment. Certification requires completing a Health Department-approved food protection course (or holding a valid ETS food protection certificate) and paying a $10 fee; certificates last five years and renew with a refresher course or retest plus another $10 fee. Establishments selling only prepackaged food, and short temporary events, are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor, fine up to $1,000; each day of violation is a separate offense. Repeat critical violations or a foodborne-illness link can trigger mandatory added on-site manager coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every employee need certification?
Can a food truck skip this?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia public health rules overview
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