Bill > HB373

This bill requires restaurants to increase food allergy awareness by mandating the posting of specific notices and information. The State Health Commissioner, referred to as the "Commissioner," will create and publish a notice on the Department of Health's website in English and the top six other languages spoken in Virginia, as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau. This notice will outline procedures for restaurant staff to follow when a customer has a food allergy, including how to prevent cross-contact and what to do in case of an allergic reaction, with a recommendation on when to call for emergency medical services. Restaurants must then post this notice in a visible area accessible to all food preparation and service staff, in any of the languages provided by the Commissioner that are spoken by their employees. Additionally, restaurants must include the phrase "If you have a food allergy, please notify us," along with its translation if applicable, on their menus or on a sign prominently displayed in the restaurant. For restaurants with online menus, this notification and a way for customers to indicate allergies must also be included on their website.