A food establishment shall obtain a variance from the regulatory authority as specified under WAC 246-215-08110 and 246-215-08115 before:

(1) Smoking food as a method of food preservation rather than as a method of flavor enhancement;

(2) Curing food;

(3) Using food additives or adding components such as vinegar:

(a) As a method of food preservation rather than as a method of flavor enhancement; or

(b) To render a food so that it is not time/temperature control for safety food;

(4) Packaging time/temperature control for safety food using a reduced oxygen packaging method except where the growth of and toxin formation by Clostridium botulinum and the growth of Listeria monocytogenes are controlled as specified under WAC 246-215-03540;

(5) Operating a molluscan shellfish life-support system display tank used to store or display shellfish that are offered for human consumption;

(6) Custom processing animals that are for personal use as food and not for sale or service in a foodestablishment;

(7) Preparing food by another method that is determined by the regulatory authority to require a variance; or

(8) Sprouting seeds or beans.

PDFWAC 246-215-03535

Specialized processing methods—Variance requirement (FDA Food Code 3-502.11).