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Environmental Health

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.

How to Get A Health Card


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

  1. Introductions to Food Safety
  2. Approved Sources for Food Products
  3. Employee Illness Decision Tree
  4. Vomit and Diarrhea Clean Up Hep A example
  5. Clean and Sanitize Food-Contact Surfaces
  6. How to Use A 3 Compartment Sink
  7. Food Handler Hygiene
  8. Handwashing For Employees
  9. Handwashing Poster
  10. How To Make A Portable Handwashing Station for Temporary Food Events
  11. No Barehand Contact
  12. Temperature Danger Zone
  13. Storage In Coolers and Freezers
  14. Safe Minimum Cooking Temperatures
  15. Hot Holding and Cold Holding
  16. Methods For Cooling Food Safely
  17. How To Properly Thaw Food
  18. Time As A Public Health Control
  19. FAQ-Date Marking
  20. Consumer Advisory For Menus
  21. 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