(1) Except as specified in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, returned empty containers intended for cleaning and refilling with food must be cleaned and refilled in a regulated food processing plant.
(2) A food-specific container for beverages may be refilled at a food establishment if:
(a) Only a
beverage that is not a
potentially hazardous food is used as specified under WAC
246-215-03348(1);
(b) The design of the container and of the rinsing equipment and the nature of the beverage, when considered together, allow effective cleaning at home or in the food establishment;
(c) Facilities for rinsing before refilling returned containers with fresh, hot water that is under pressure and not recirculated are provided as part of the dispensing system;
(d) The consumer-owned container returned to the food establishment for refilling is refilled for sale or service only to the same consumer; and
(e) The container is refilled by:
(i) An employee of the food establishment; or
(ii) The owner of the container if the beverage system includes a contamination-free transfer process that cannot be bypassed by the container owner.
(3) consumer-owned containers that are not food-specific may be filled at a water vending machine or system.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
43.20.050 and
43.20.145. WSR 13-03-109, § 246-215-04650, filed 1/17/13, effective 5/1/13.]