Loudoun County's Transportation and Land Use Committee convened on July 16, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding food safety regulations impacting local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The meeting featured a presentation by Karen Bergen from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), who outlined the agency's role in ensuring food safety for establishments in the region.

Bergen emphasized that VDACS oversees the safety and labeling of food products manufactured, processed, and sold in Virginia, with a focus on retail food regulations. She explained that while VDACS and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) share some regulatory responsibilities, their jurisdictions differ significantly. For instance, VDACS inspects establishments that prepare food for immediate service without handling raw animal products, while VDH is responsible for those that do, including restaurants and food trucks.

The discussion highlighted the importance of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between VDACS and VDH, which delineates the responsibilities of each agency in overlapping areas. This collaboration aims to streamline inspections and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Committee members raised questions about the inspection frequency for food establishments, with Bergen noting that inspections are risk-based, occurring every 12 to 36 months depending on the nature of the food service. She also confirmed that all complaints regarding food safety are thoroughly investigated.

The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to clarify food safety regulations for local businesses, particularly as Loudoun County continues to see growth in its agricultural and food service sectors. As the community looks ahead, the collaboration between VDACS and VDH will be crucial in maintaining high standards of food safety and supporting local enterprises.