Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 1643

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Prohibits local health jurisdictions from establishing standards for refrigerating or freezing food that require the purchase of specific equipment if the business' equipment meets State Board of Health temperature standards.

Background:

The Washington State Board of Health (Board) is authorized to establish minimum standards for the prevention and control of food borne illnesses. The Board has adopted rules for food service establishments that are primarily based on the 2001 United States Food Code with modifications specifically applicable to Washington. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent standards. The food service establishment rules are enforced primarily through local boards of health.

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. Rules pertaining to temperature differ according to the type of food and its intended use. The Board's rules require that equipment for cooling food be capable of achieving the specified temperature standards.

Summary of Bill:

Local health jurisdictions are prohibited from establishing standards for the refrigeration or freezing of food that require a business to purchase specific types of equipment if the business' equipment complies with the temperature standards of the State Board of Health and was purchased after January 1, 2000.