RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Several new food regulation updates are now in effect across the commonwealth Thursday, revamping guidance for some food establishments. From an updated food allergen list to new food-establishment guidance, several new regulation updates went into effect on Thursday, Sept. 10, which the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) said now reflect the most current U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code. Thursday's update ends a five-year gap since Virginia's previous one in 2021. Here are some to know: New major food allergen, updates for food establishments Sesame has now been added to the state’s major food allergen list, joining fin fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, milk, peanuts, soy, wheat and eggs as items that restaurants, food trucks and other food vendors must disclose in packaged and unpacked items on their menus. Food establishments are not required to reprint menus and can offer a standalone handout listing the major allergens and which dishes have these ingredients. The FDA previously said in April 2024 that sesame was the ninth major food allergen. RELATED: Trump officials propose new requirements for food additives and ingredients The Person in Charge (PIC) at each facility is now also required to expand responsibilities regarding employee allergen-awareness training, such as ensuring employees monitor and maintain correct temperatures for time and temperature control for safety (TCS) foods during thawing. Minimum hot water temperature The new minimum hot water temperature has decreased from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to only 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Federal health leaders updated the federal code in 2022 to promote better compliance and comfort. They added that part of the reason for this change was because the water at either 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 85 degrees Fahrenheit is not hot enough to kill pathogens on its own. Shellfish invoices In addition to tags and labels, shellfish invoices may now be used to identify and document the source of molluscan shellfish. Restaurants, suppliers and food trucks now have an easier, more flexible option for record-keeping and regulatory audits without relying strictly on physical container tags, per the VDH. For more information and to see a list of the new food regulation updates, visit VDH's website. ...read more read less