SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESSB 6478

              As Passed Senate, February 15, 2000

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).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  1/20/2000, 1/24/2000 [DPS, DNP].

Passed Senate, 2/15/2000, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6478 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; Bauer, Brown, Goings, Kohl-Welles and Rasmussen.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senators Finkbeiner, Hochstatter, Swecker and Zarelli.

Staff:  Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

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.

Summary of Bill:  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:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Children are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses.  Therefore, stricter  food safety standards are needed for food handlers in schools.  This bill would require these higher standards.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  David Westberg, Stationary Engineers; Randy Dorn, PSE; Betty Marcelynas, OSPI.