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Food Safety Rules and Regulations

Food Service

Chapter 246-215 WAC provides the safety standards for food served or sold to the public in Washington State. Washington adopted the 2001 edition of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Code, with some modifications. The FDA Food Code was developed with extensive input from members of the food service industry, the scientific community, and food safety regulators throughout the country. It incorporates the latest knowledge of food science and technology. The Food Code serves as the basis for food service rules in most states and provides Washington with rules that are more consistent with the national food safety standards.

Washington Food Code Working Document

The working document merges the revised Chapter 246-215 WAC with the adapted 2001 FDA Food Code language. This document isn't intended to be used as code, but can be used to help see the Washington modifications to the 2001 FDA Food Code. The text is presented in two different fonts and colors to help you tell the difference between the state and federal rules:

• Original FDA Food Code wording is in black Arial font.

• 246-215 WAC amendments are in blue Times New Roman font.