H-1759.1
HOUSE BILL 1698
State of Washington | 67th Legislature | 2022 Regular Session |
ByRepresentatives Shewmake, Ryu, Ramel, Peterson, Tharinger, Pollet, and Harris-Talley
Prefiled 12/23/21.Read first time 01/10/22.Referred to Committee on Rural Development, Agriculture & Natural Resources.
AN ACT Relating to prohibiting latex gloves in the handling and preparation of food for sale to consumers; and adding a new chapter to Title
69 RCW.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. Latex allergies affect an estimated one to six percent of the general population. Individuals who come into contact with latex, such as food service and health care workers, are more likely to develop a latex allergy. Latex allergies may be caused by frequent exposure to latex, inhalation of latex particles, ingesting food prepared by using latex gloves, and contact with mucosal surfaces such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. The most common cause of latex allergy involves touching latex-containing products such as latex gloves. Latex allergies may cause itchy skin, hives, or anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause swelling and severe difficulty breathing.
Washington state requires individuals working in food service to use gloves when handling food and requires single-use gloves to be used when preparing ready-to-eat foods and working with raw foods. Nitrile gloves are a durable alternative to latex and are more resistant to puncturing. Other alternatives include polyethylene, which is lightweight and economic, and vinyl.
The legislature therefore finds that it is in the interest of public health to reduce latex allergies and reactions to latex by prohibiting the use of latex gloves in handling and preparation of food for sale to consumers.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Cottage food operation" has the same meaning as defined in RCW
69.22.010.
(2) "Food establishment" means the same as in WAC 246-215-01115 or successor rules.
(3) "Food processing plant" means the same as in WAC 246-215-01115 or successor rules.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. Beginning January 1, 2024, the use of latex gloves is prohibited in food processing plants, food establishments, and cottage food operations. Types of nonlatex gloves that may be used in food processing plants, food establishments, or cottage food operations include, but are not limited to, nitrile, polyethylene, and vinyl.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. Sections 1 through 3 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 69 RCW. --- END ---