HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 ESSB 6478

Title:  An act relating to food safety standards in schools.

Brief Description:  Developing training requirements for handlers of food in schools.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Kohl‑Welles, Goings, Eide, Patterson and Rasmussen).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 23, 2000

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:   Under current law, individuals employed in the handling of unwrapped or unpackaged food (Afood service workers@) must first obtain a food and beverage service worker=s permit.  Minimum training requirements for food service workers are established by the state Board of Health.  These requirements apply to food service workers in schools, as currently no specific standards have been established applying only to individuals handling food in schools. 

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) sponsors training programs for food service personnel.  Last summer, the office co-sponsored 10 courses for school district cook managers, supervisors, and those who aspire to be cook managers.  The courses covered child nutrition, safety and sanitation, special nutritional needs, basic nutrition, scheduling, and quality food production.  The fee for four days of classes, including meals and lodging, was $100 per participant.  About 160 school district managers and supervisors attended.

Summary:  The State Board of Health must adopt rules establishing minimum food safety and sanitation training requirements for kitchen managers and lead kitchen workers hired by school districts to handle or prepare food.  The rules must take into account specific health risks applicable to children.  When developing the rules, the board must consult with the Department of Health, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and other stakeholders.  The rules apply prospectively.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested.

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