District Of Columbia § 48-102 - Definitions — “Drug”; “food”.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 48-102 — Definitions — “Drug”; “food”., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 48-102. Definitions — “Drug”; “food”.
48-102For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
“Condemnation” means an administrative restriction or exclusion on the use of specific equipment, utensils, or linens.
“Drug” shall include all medicines for external or internal use, antiseptics, disinfectants, and cosmetics.
“Embargo” means an administrative restriction or exclusion on the distribution of food or food products.
“Food” means a raw, cooked, or processed edible substance, ice, beverage, or ingredient used or intended for use or for sale, in whole or in part, for human consumption, or chewing gum.
“Food establishment” means an operation that stores, prepares, packages, serves, vends, or otherwise provides food for human consumption.
The term “food establishment” includes:
A restaurant; satellite or catered feeding location; catering operation, if the operation provides food directly to a consumer, or to a conveyance used to transport people; a market; a vending location; an institution; or a food bank;
An establishment that relinquishes possession of food to a consumer directly or indirectly through a delivery service, such as home delivery of grocery orders or restaurant takeout orders, or a delivery service that is provided by common carriers;
An establishment that includes an element of the operation of an establishment, such as a motorized vehicle or cart, or a central preparation facility that supplies vending locations or satellite feeding locations, unless the vending locations are licensed by the Mayor pursuant to [§§ through ], or the feeding locations are licensed by the Mayor;
An establishment that includes an operation that is conducted in a mobile, stationary, temporary, or permanent facility or location where consumption is on or off the premises, regardless of whether there is a charge for the food;
All private clubs, employer-sponsored cafeterias or restaurants, schools, churches, residential treatment facilities, and similar facilities, with the exception of those described in subparagraphs (B)(v) through (B)(viii) of this paragraph;
An eating and drinking establishment as set forth in ; and
A food processing plant.
The term “food establishment” shall not include:
An establishment that offers only prepackaged foods that are not potentially hazardous;
A produce stand that only offers whole, uncut, fresh fruits and vegetables;
Repealed.
An ordinary kitchen in a private home that prepares food for sale or service at a function such as a religious or charitable organizations’ bake sale where the consumer is informed by a clearly visible placard at the sales or service location that the food is prepared in a kitchen that is not subject to regulation and inspection by the Mayor.
An area where food that is prepared as specified in sub-subparagraph (iv) of this subparagraph is sold or offered for human consumption;
A kitchen in a private home, including a child development facility; or a bed-and-breakfast operation that prepares and offers food to guests if the home is owner-occupied, the number of available guest bedrooms does not exceed 3, breakfast is the only meal offered, the number of guests served does not exceed 9, and the consumer is informed by statements contained in published advertisements, mailed brochures, and placards posted at the registration area that the food is prepared in a kitchen that is not regulated and inspected by the Mayor;
A private home that receives catered or home-delivered food; and
A private club or a church, which serves occasional meals at not more than 24 events during a 12-month period.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 48-102
What does D.C. Code § 48-102 cover?
Section 48-102 ("Definitions — “Drug”; “food”.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 48-102?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 48-102" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 48-102 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.