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.

Hearing Date: 2/5/03

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that every year there are 76 million occurrences of food borne illnesses resulting in approximately 324,000 hospitalizations and 5,200 deaths.

The FDA provides guidance to state and local agencies regarding safe food service practices. The FDA developed the Food Code in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Department of Agriculture to provide current enforcement standards for safe food service practices. The 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 (Board) is authorized to establish minimum standards for the prevention and control of food borne illnesses. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent standards. 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: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.