SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5173

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As of January 24, 2001

Title:  An act relating to an inspection scoring system for food service establishments.

Brief Description:  Requiring food service establishments to post a letter grade card based on an inspection.

Sponsors:  Senators Gardner, Patterson and Costa.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  1/25/01.

______________________________________________________________________________SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Staff:  Rhoda Donkin (786‑7198)

Background:  The Department of Health conducts inspections of food service establishments at least once a year.  Inspections may also be conducted at random intervals to monitor the risk of food borne illness transmission as determined by the types of food served, methods of food preparation, number of meals served and past history of compliance with state health and safety standards.

In some public health jurisdictions the inspection report uses a number score to describe the results.  In others the report cites the violations and does not provide any numerical ranking. Further, in some jurisdictions in the state, local media make regular requests of the inspection reports for publication to the local community.

Summary of Bill:  The State Board of Health is directed to establish rules for providing letter grades as an inspection system for all food service establishments in the state.  The rules must include clearly  posting the letter grade upon issuance at the food service establishment so that the score is visible to the general public.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note: Available

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.