Section 2930. Outer openings, protected

A. Except as specified in subsections B through E of this section, outer openings of a food establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by:

1. Filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls and ceilings;

2. Closed, tight-fitting windows; and

3. Solid self-closing, tight-fitting doors.

B. Subsection A of this section does not apply if a food establishment opens into a larger structure, such as a mall, airport, or office building, or into an attached structure, such as a porch, and the outer openings from the larger or attached structure are protected against the entry of insects and rodents.

C. Exterior doors used as exits need not be self-closing if they are:

1. Solid and tight-fitting;

2. Designated for use only when an emergency exists, by the fire protection authority that has jurisdiction over the food establishment; and

3. Restricted so they are not used for entrance or exit from the building for purposes other than the designated emergency exit use.

D. Except as specified in subsections B and E of this section, if the windows or doors of a food establishment, or of a larger structure within which a food establishment is located, are kept open for ventilation or other purposes, the openings shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by:

1. 16 mesh to 1-inch (16 mesh to 25.4 mm) screens;

2. Properly designed and installed air curtains to control flying insects; or

3. Other effective means.

E. Subsection D of this section does not apply if flying insects and other pests are absent due to the location of the establishment, the weather, or other limiting condition.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 18, Issue 10, eff. March 1, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 02, eff. October 16, 2007.

Statutory Authority

§§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 of the Code of Virginia.