SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1318

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Agriculture, March 27, 2003

Title: An act relating to referencing the United States food and drug administration's food code.

Brief Description: Allowing the state board of health to reference the United States food and drug administration's food code for the purpose of adopting food service rules.

Sponsors: Representatives Darneille, Cody, Clements, Campbell, Bush, Anderson and Pflug; by request of Department of Health.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Agriculture: 3/27/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Swecker, Chair; Brandland, Vice Chair; Jacobsen, Rasmussen and Sheahan.

Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)

Background: The FDA provides guidance to state and local agencies regarding safe food service practices. The model food code was first published in 1993 and has been revised every two years since that time. At least 30 states have adopted one of these versions of the food code.

The Washington State Board of Health is authorized to establish standards for the prevention and control of food borne illnesses. The board's rules direct food service establishments in the areas of food supplies, food protection, public health labeling, food preparation, temperature control, personal hygiene, garbage and litter, sanitary equipment, and pest control.

Summary of Bill: When adopting rules for food service, the State Board of Health must consider the current version of the United States Food and Drug Administration's Food Code.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: The use of the federal Food and Drug Administration model food code has three benefits: (1) it represents the latest science on food safety regulations; (2) it has had heavy stakeholder input at the national level; and (3) it increases the level of consistency of regulations between the states within which national companies operate.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Jennifer Tebaldi, WA Dept. of Health (pro).