FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1867

                         C 136 L 98

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising provisions for food sanitation and safety.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by  Representatives Backlund, Cody and Sullivan; by request of Department of Health).

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  A person may not be employed in the handling of unwrapped or unpackaged food unless the person has a food and beverage service worker permit.  The permit must be obtained within 30 days of employment.  The initial permit is valid for two years and renewal permits are valid for five years.

It is a misdemeanor offense for a person who has a contagious or infectious disease to work in a place where unwrapped or unpackaged food products are prepared and sold and for an employer to knowingly employ such a person.

Following an increase in the incidence of foodborne illnesses, e.g., E. Coli and Salmonella, the Department of Health identified a number of changes in the food and beverage worker permit process designed to  improve the prevention of such illnesses.

Summary:  Beginning July 1, 1998, the renewal period for a food and beverage worker permit is reduced from five to three years, unless the employee obtains additional food safety training.

A limited-duty permit for disabled workers is permitted; however, the local health officer is required to specify the activities that the permit holder may perform.  This permit is valid in all counties.

Persons with foodborne contagious diseases may not work in places where unwrapped or unpackaged food or beverages are prepared, consumed or sold.

The grace period to obtain a food and beverage service worker permit is reduced from 30 to 14 days.  Employers are required to provide information or training regarding safe food handling practices to employees prior to employment.

Votes on Final Passage:

House943

Senate440(Senate amended)

House960(House concurred)

Effective:June 11, 1998

July 1, 1998(Section 1)