Retail Food Code Rule Revision Adopted

Chapter 246-215 WAC- Food Service

Washington State Board of Health adopted proposed changes to chapter 246-215 WAC, Food Service, on October 13, 2020. The adopted revisions incorporate the 2017 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code with Washington modifications that address legislative changes and food safety issues raised by stakeholders.

Based on stakeholder input, the food service rule becomes effective with a staggered timeline.

Major provisions of the adopted rule include:

Supporting Documents

Retail Food Code, Chapter 246-215 WAC - Effective January 15, 2021 (PDF)

Retail Food Code, Chapter 246-215 WAC - Effective March 1, 2022 (PDF)

Concise Explanatory Statement, Chapter 246-215 WAC (PDF)

CR-103 Final Rule-Making Order (PDF)

Significant Analysis (PDF)

Draft Tracked Changes for Review, Chapter 246-215 WAC (PDF)

Summary of Changes to Chapter 246-215 WAC (PDF)

Top 10 Changes to Chapter 246-215 WAC (PDF)

Timeline

CR 101 filed July 2, 2018
Collection of stakeholder recommendations on potential rulemaking amendments July 12 - August 29, 2018
Department analyze recommendations for potential revision August - September 2018
Department to work with Food Safety Advisory Council on possible amendments September 2018 - March 2019
Public presentations and comments on proposed changes June - July 31, 2019
State Board of Health briefing April 8, 2020
CR 102 Filed July 22, 2020
Written public comment submission closes September 29, 2020
Public hearing (virtual only) October 13, 2020
CR 103 filed December 15, 2020
Rule effective date Staggered (see above)

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For More Information

Susan Shelton, Food Safety Program, 509-212-1206