Section 3080. Lighting, intensity  


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  • The light intensity shall be:

    1. At least 10 foot candles (108 lux) at a distance of 30 inches (75 cm) above the floor, in walk-in refrigeration units and dry food storage areas and in other areas and rooms during periods of cleaning;

    2. At least 20 foot candles (215 lux):

    a. At a surface where food is provided for consumer self-service such as buffets and salad bars or where fresh produce or packaged foods are sold or offered for consumption;

    b. Inside equipment such as reach-in and under-counter refrigerators;

    c. At a distance of 30 inches (75 cm) above the floor in areas used for handwashing, warewashing, and equipment and utensil storage, and in toilet rooms; and

    3. At least 50 foot candles (540 lux) at a surface where a food employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 24, Issue 02, eff. October 16, 2007; amended, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 07, eff. January 1, 2010.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-5121 of the Code of Virginia.