Subcommittee rejects bill to allow out-of-state caterers to cook across state lines for Virginia events

Delegate Elliot Williams introduced House Bill 151, which would let caterers who prepare food in adjacent states serve that food at events in Virginia provided they meet Virginia food-safety regulations.

Olivia McCormick of the Virginia Department of Health said VDH has no formal position on the bill but would use the regulatory process to address safety concerns if the legislation passed, listing likely requirements such as a permit from the host site, plan review, documentation of the commissary or food-establishment, and transport criteria for cold and hot holding. McCormick also said VDH would consider compliance status in the originating locality and the version of the FDA food code the outside facility follows.

Williams, who said he had brought the bill in the prior session, told the subcommittee the change would help border communities such as Lawsonville, N.C., which is part of Patrick County's community and faces long drives to the nearest population center.

Following brief questions from members and acknowledgement that the administration did not take a position, Delegate Hodge moved to report the bill. The motion was seconded and put to a roll call; the clerk announced the motion to report failed by a vote of 3 to 5, and the bill did not advance out of the subcommittee.

The subcommittee record shows no formal amendments were adopted before the vote. The committee discussion centered on how regulation could ensure safety if out-of-state cooking were allowed and whether reciprocity arrangements already exist in neighboring states.