The Division of Environmental Health (DEH) protects human health by preventing harmful environmental conditions through a combination of surveillance, education, enforcement, and assessment services.
We prevent, minimize, and eliminate exposure to biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Our regulatory services include permitting and inspecting businesses and public facilities.
We increase environmental awareness by educating the public, implementing new legislation, and enforcing the current Virgin Islands and Federal Public Health Laws.
Health Cards
DEH processes health cards required for people who work in the following industries: food service, public lodging, childcare, cosmetology, beauty, barbers, hair braiders, spas, nail salons, body art/tattoo parlors, and massage parlors.
A Health Card is proof that you do not carry any parasitic diseases, based on stool sample test results from a certified lab.
Health Inspections
Environmental Health Inspectors investigate complaints of health and safety concerns anywhere in the community – including residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
inspection.deh@doh.vi.gov
Health Permits
We work with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) to process health permits, business licenses, and board certifications.
How To Apply For a Health Permit
https://dlca.vi.gov/ Business Licensing and Board Certifications
We follow the Virgin Islands Code and the 2017 FDA Food Code (See Chart 4-D For Mobile Establishments)
Food Code Fact Sheets
- Introductions to Food Safety
- Approved Sources for Food Products
- Employee Illness Decision Tree
- Vomit and Diarrhea Clean Up Hep A example
- Clean and Sanitize Food-Contact Surfaces
- How to Use A 3 Compartment Sink
- Food Handler Hygiene
- Handwashing For Employees
- Handwashing Poster
- How To Make A Portable Handwashing Station for Temporary Food Events
- No Barehand Contact
- Temperature Danger Zone
- Storage In Coolers and Freezers
- Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures
- Hot Holding and Cold Holding
- Methods For Cooling Food Safely
- How To Properly Thaw Food
- Time As A Public Health Control
- FAQ-Date Marking
- Consumer Advisory For Menus
- Keep Your Kitchen A Pest-Free Environment
FDA Employee Health and Personal Hygiene Handbook | Employee Health Policy Requirements | Responding to Contamination Events | Exclusions and Restrictions. |
This guide explains management’s responsibilities regarding employee health and foodborne illnesses and teaches managers what to include in their policies, including FDA forms, tables, and decision trees.
HACCP Principles & Application Guidelines | FDA Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). HACCP is a food safety management system addressed by analyzing and controlling biological, chemical, and physical hazards – from raw material production, procurement, and handling, to manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of the finished product
Forms
Please print and submit 2 copies of all forms. They are also available at DOH Offices.
https://doh.vi.gov/resources/forms-applications
Health Permit Application.pdf (vi.gov)
Special Events Request Form
COVID-19
Current COVID-19 legislation: https://www.vi.gov/executive-orders/
Current COVID-19 guidance: https://www.covid19usvi.com/
Resuming Business Toolkit | COVID-19 | CDC
Kit de herramientas para reanudar las operaciones comerciales | COVID-19 | CDC
COVID-19 Guidance: Businesses and Employers | CDC
Guía sobre el COVID-19: empresas y empleadores | CDC
Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic | FDA
Prácticas recomendadas para tiendas de alimentos minoristas, restaurantes, y servicios para llevar y entregar alimentos durante la pandemia del COVID-19 | FDA
Important Information
Food Safety Home Page | CDC
FoodSafety.gov
5 Signs of Food Poisoning
What You Need to Know About Foodborne Illnesses | FDA
Check the Cheese, Avoid Listeria
CDC VitalSigns – Preventing Norovirus Outbreaks
2019 USVI Cistern Water Study Results
Cleaning and Disinfecting Water Cisterns After Floods and Heavy Rains. (cdc.gov)
Cisterns and Other Rain Catchment Systems | Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene-related Emergencies & and Outbreaks | Healthy Water | CDC
Información Importante
Seguridad de los alimentos | CDC
https://espanol.foodsafety.gov/
Cinco Signos de INTOXICACIÓN ALIMENTARIA
Organismos que causan enfermedades transmitidas por los alimentos en los EE.UU. | FDA
Revise el queso, evite la Listeria
Cómo prevenir los brotes de NOROVIRUS
Cómo limpiar y desinfectar las cisternas de agua después de inundaciones y lluvias fuertes. (cdc.gov)
Preparación para emergencias relacionada con el agua, el saneamiento, la higiene, y la respuesta a los brotes | Healthy Water | CDC
For More Information
St. Croix
Ms. Shenea Abraham
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health,
Division of Environmental Health,
3500 Estate Richmond,
St. Croix, VI 00820
Office: (340) 718-1311 X 3709
St. Thomas/St. John
Ms. Jamila Felix
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health,
Division of Environmental Health,
1303 Hospital Ground, Suite 10
St. Thomas, VI 00802
Office: (340) 774-9000 X 4600
