The Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division functions as a consumer protection and consumer service organization with the mission of enforcing laws, rules, and regulations to protect the public food supply. By regulating certain industries, the Division, through its trained regulatory officer, laboratory staff, and product registration / compliance personnel help insure that consumers receive quality agricultural products.
The operations under the Regulatory & Environmental Affairs Division (READ) touch the lives of every West Virginian. We operate a variety of programs that protect consumers from human and animal food safety-related issues, inaccurate product labelling, proper pesticide applications, and protect the environmental systems in WV. We help to guarantee residential and industrial consumers receive quality agricultural products. The division inspects stores to ensure that certain products are not out of date and that proper storage temperatures are being maintained. READ analyzes a variety of different products to ensure they match label claims and license soft-serve ice cream sellers to make sure their machines are properly cleaned and free of dangerous microorganisms. The associated laboratories support the work of the division as well as conduct vital federally funded scientific research. The Pesticide Regulatory Unit licenses products and commercial applicators. The Environmental Programs Unit conducts extensive water sampling and provides farmers with information and technical assistance.