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 an effort to increase awareness and improve services for the citizens of Mineral County, the Mineral County Health Department will publish Food Establishment Inspection Scores. The scores will be published to this website on a monthly basis and remain here for a reference.  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) or for a statewide card click here. These classes are designed to educate the proper techniques, methods, and requirements of a food establishment and it's workers. 

The Mineral County Health Department would like to remind all food establishment permit holders of the requirement under the FDA 2013 Food Code regarding Certified Food Protection Managers.

Section 2-102.12 of the FDA 2013 Food Code, “Certified Food Protection Manager,” requires that at least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility be a Certified Food Protection Manager who has demonstrated food safety knowledge by passing an accredited examination program. This requirement is intended to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness by ensuring that food establishments have trained personnel overseeing safe food handling, preparation, storage, employee hygiene, and sanitation practices.

Please note that the Food Protection Manager Certification is valid for a period of five (5) years. Permit holders should ensure certifications remain current and available for review during routine inspections.

The Mineral County Health Department requires that certification be completed through the Mineral County portal on the StateFoodSafety website. The approved Food Protection Manager Certification course may be accessed directly at:

StateFoodSafety™ - Certified Food Protection Manager

Please ensure that you register and complete the certification through this specific Mineral County link so that completion records are properly associated with Mineral County Health Department requirements.

If your establishment does not currently have a Certified Food Protection Manager, please complete the required training and certification as soon as possible. 

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. 

In an effort to keep the citizens of Mineral County current on all regional and national recalls, please refer to Recalls.gov. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact us for more information.  

 In the event of a boil water notice for your facility, please follow the instructions in the following document.