WSR 26-07-090

INTERPRETIVE OR POLICY STATEMENT

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed March 18, 2026, 11:16 a.m.]

This memo serves as notice that the department of health (department) is rescinding Guidelines for Minimizing Bare Hand Contact with Ready-to-Eat Foods, which was filed on December 17, 1999, and published as WSR 00-01-121.

This interpretive statement provided guidance to both food service establishments and food service regulators on how to prevent food contamination caused by infected food workers. The department is rescinding this statement due to the adoption of changes in chapter 246-215 WAC and the changes to the United States Food and Drug Administration Food Code since 2005. Consequently, this interpretive statement is no longer necessary.

Individuals requiring additional information on this should contact Todd Phillips, director for the office of environmental health and safety at todd.phillips@doh.wa.gov.