Food Safety Program
Washington State Retail Food Code
The Washington State Retail Food Code addresses current foodborne illness risks and the best methods for prevention. The food code, as well as some great information to help food establishment operators meet new requirements, is available here.
One new requirement is for most food establishments to have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff by March 1, 2023. The CFPM must train each person in charge of implementing relevant food safety procedures. The CFPM does not have to be on site at all times, but does need to be available for training and consultation as needed. There are several organizations approved to issue CFPM certification, each with their own training and testing options. Information for each of these can be found here.
Very low risk food establishments are not required to have a CFPM on staff. Specific exemption information can be found here.
The templates and information referenced in the 2023 food establishment permit renewal letter can be found here.
Please contact (360) 740-1222 if you have any questions.
Food Worker Cards
The food worker manual and food worker cards can be obtained online at www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. Please call 360-740-1222 if you have any questions or concerns.
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
If you would like to provide food or beverages at a temporary event, such as a fair or festival, a temporary event permit is required. Please review the Temporary Food Establishment Requirements document below and then complete the application. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before your event whenever possible.
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.
Farmers Markets
Temporary food vendors may also operate up to 3 days per week at approved farmers markets. Please see the Farmers Market Coordinator application below for additional details.
Farmers Market Coordinators
Please complete this Farmers Market Coordinator application and submit it at least 30 days before you'd like to add permitted food vendors to your market. The application will be reviewed as quickly as possible and we will let you know when your application is approved or if additional information is needed. Once a farmers market is approved, temporary food establishment operators/vendors may submit applications, which will be reviewed based on each market's specific operations.
A new Farmers Market Coordinator application must be submitted each year.