Food Safety Program
Washington State Food Code Revision
The Washington State Board of Health is updating our Retail Food Code to ensure it addresses current foodborne illness risks and best methods of prevention. For more information on this process, proposed changes, and how you can get involved, please visit https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Food/FoodWorkerandIndustry/FoodSafetyRules/FoodCodeRuleRevision.
Health Department Classes: When and Where
Classes are offered on the 2nd floor of the Public Health & Social Services building the first Tuesday of every month at 9:00 am. Food worker cards may also be obtained here.
PERMANENT FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
If you would like to open a new grocery store, restaurant, or other type of food service establishment, please contact (360) 740-1222 to request an application packet. The packet includes instructions for completing the process, but if you have additional questions, it may help to speak with a health inspector. Application packets should be submitted at least 30 days before you plan to operate to allow time for review and any corrections that may be required.
TEMPORARY FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
Anybody who plans to provide food to the public at fairs, festivals, or other short-term events should apply for a Temporary Food Establishment Permit. A temporary application packet may be picked up at our office on the 3rd floor of the Public Health building, 360 NW North Street in Chehalis. You may also download the packet using the links below. Applications and payment should be received fourteen days before the event. Fast Track fees will be added to applications received fewer than 7 days prior to the event.
Temporary Food Establishment Requirements
Temporary Food Establishment Permit Application
Washington State Food Worker Manual
Completed applications may be submitted directly to our office or faxed to 360-740-1438.
Some foods may be offered without a permit, as long as a few simple food safety steps are followed. Please submit the following form to our office if you'd like to serve one of these items.
If you would like to provide samples of commercially prepared foods that do not require refrigeration, like cookies or candies, please submit the following Courtesy Application. There is no charge for this.