Washington Food Safety Compliance

Everything food businesses need to know about compliance in Washington. Covers Washington Food Safety Rules (WAC 246-215).

Adopted from

FDA Food Code 2017

HACCP required

Yes

Food handler card

Required

Inspection frequency

Risk-based

Permit cost

$100-$600

Washington Health Department

Washington State Department of Health

1-360-236-4501

Contact your local health department for specific permit applications and inspection scheduling.

Common violations in Washington

  1. Improper holding temperatures
  2. Missing food worker cards
  3. Inadequate handwashing
  4. Cross-contamination risks
  5. Improper food storage

PassMyKitchen helps you avoid these violations by tracking your daily compliance tasks and maintaining inspection-ready records.

Top cities for food businesses in Washington

SeattleTacomaSpokaneBellevueOlympia

Frequently asked questions about Washington food safety

Washington requires all food workers to obtain a Washington Food Worker Card by completing an approved training program. The card is valid for 2 years and can be obtained online.

Seattle food trucks need a mobile food unit permit from King County Public Health, a City of Seattle business license, and a commissary agreement. Seattle has designated food truck zones.

Washington uses a risk-based inspection schedule. Higher-risk operations are inspected more frequently. King County (Seattle area) publishes inspection results online.

Washington does not require a Certified Food Protection Manager statewide. However, all food workers must have a valid Washington Food Worker Card.

Ready to get compliant in Washington?

PassMyKitchen generates a custom HACCP plan based on Washington Food Safety Rules (WAC 246-215). Set up in 3 minutes.