VI Department of Health Describes Public Health Standards Role

Strong Public Health Standards Support Safe and Healthy Communities

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health plays a critical role in safeguarding the well-being of the community by upholding strong public health standards, serving as both the regulatory agency and public health services arm for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Each day, we work to ensure that people across our Territory can live, work, and dine in safe and healthy environments,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “That includes setting and upholding public health standards, supporting community wellness, and taking action when conditions may pose a risk to the public.”

Guided by provisions in Titles 3 and 19 of the Virgin Islands Code, the Department is responsible for administering public health programs, overseeing health standards, and enforcing requirements designed to protect the health and safety of residents across the Territory. This includes ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place and that food and related products are handled, prepared, and distributed in a manner that protects public health. The Virgin Islands Food Code further establishes the standards governing food safety and sanitation throughout the Territory.

“We know that language can sound technical, but at its core, this is about everyday safety,” said Commissioner Encarnacion. “When you walk into a restaurant, buy food for your family, or visit a business, you should feel confident that basic health and safety standards are being followed. That’s what our team is responsible for every day — making sure the places people rely on are safe.”

Commissioner Encarnacion noted that a key part of this work is carried out through the Department’s Environmental Health Division, which supports the public by:

• Conducting routine inspections of food establishments to ensure safe handling and preparation practices
• Responding to complaints and investigating potential public health concerns
• Monitoring sanitation, environmental conditions, and public health risks in establishments and community settings
• Supporting safe conditions in public accommodations and other environments serving residents and visitors
• Providing guidance and education to businesses and the public on maintaining healthy environments
• Taking appropriate action when conditions may threaten public health These services are essential to preventing illness, protecting consumers, and maintaining confidence in establishments, public spaces, and environments that serve the community throughout the Virgin Islands.

The Department’s work is further informed by guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the FDA Food Code, which establish nationally recognized standards for food safety and products that may impact public health. These frameworks support the Department’s role in adopting and enforcing science-based measures, including in emerging products, to assess risk, guide regulatory action, and protect the health and safety of the community.

Commissioner Encarnacion emphasized that, “the guidance from the FDA helps ensure that we are applying science-based approaches as we evaluate products and take appropriate action to protect our community.”

For more information about the Virgin Islands Department of Health and its programs, visit www.doh.vi.gov.

United States Virgin Islands

Department of Health

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