When you go to an event it is nice to know the food you eat is going to be safe. Bike Virginia follows many state guidelines on food safety to make sure you have a great experience and that food is as safe as possible. From rest stops to meals we follow
a strict process for planning and event operations.
Meals
Meals served to our riders are only provided by licensed caterers. The Virginia Department of Health approves every caterer and inspects all caterers at the time of the event. Menus are also approved by the Health Department, making sure that the food served is appropriate for the serving conditions at the event. When we visit other states, this same rigorous Health Department process is applied for that state’s standards as well.
Food Vendors
Everyone that sells food or serves food as a vendor at the event is a licensed vendor with the Department of Health. Each one is inspected on site at the event. Menus and items served at the event are pre-approved and selected with your health in mind.
Rest Stops
Rest stops are reviewed and approved by the Department of Health. Groups that provide food service at the stops are required to meet health department standards for preparation and serving. Some regional Health Department divisions require each civic group to get a temporary catering permit. Food that is served at rest stops are prepared according to health department standards.
Premium rest stops are served by a licensed caterer. The Health Department inspects and approves the menu and set up of this caterer.
Signs requesting that riders remove gloves are posted in serving areas. Hand sanitizer is provided for each rest stop serving line.
Water
- Water is served in potable water hoses only (white hoses)
- Any well water served at the rest stops is pre-approved or tested by the Health Department.
- No ice is served. Ice is a high risk food due to the risk of contamination and strongly discouraged by Health Department unless handled by licensed food providers.
Full Time Staff for Safety
The rigorous needs of managing a good food safety program require Bike Virginia to employ a full time coordinator for safety. Meet Cynthia Bashton, Health and Safety Coordinator. Cynthia manages all vendors, caterers, rest stops, food inventory, and event operations related to food. Her roll also includes work on bike route safety.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]