The Food Safety Program is responsible for inspecting all retail food establishments, school kitchens, and
temporary food booths operating at fairs and community events in Snohomish County. The Food Program also reviews
plans and conducts preoperational inspections for new and remodeled food establishments. In addition, the Food
Program investigates complaints of foodborne illness and unsanitary conditions, provides food worker card
classes and issues food worker cards, and conducts food safety training and certification for food establishment
mangers. The Food Safety Program also provides general food safety information for home use.
Establish a Food Business in Snohomish County
The Snohomish Health District Food Safety Program performs plan reviews and preoperational
inspections for new or reopening establishments.
These establishments include restaurants, mobile food service, limited grocery, and food
stand concessions. Plan review is the process by which we ensure that your plans and
equipment meet the state and local health requirements before you begin construction of
your project. By communicating with you early in your endeavor, we hope to prevent costly
mistakes, while ensuring that your food service establishment is built in compliance with
the minimum standards.
What is a Plan Review?
Plan review is the process by which we ensure that your plans and equipment meet the
state and local health requirements before you begin construction of your project. By
communicating with you early in your endeavor, we hope to prevent costly mistakes,
while ensuring that your food service establishment is built in compliance with the
minimum standards and in the best interest of the public's health.
Plan Review Information and Guidelines
Snohomish Health District has informational plan review packets for food establishments.
Please use the link below for the Food Service Establishment Plan Review Guidelines. To
obtain plan review guidelines for a mobile food service, limited grocery, and or food
stand concession please contact the Health District Food Section as 425.339.5250.
Applications for Plan Review
Checklist for Plan Reviews
Pre-Operation Information
The plan review has been approved and now you have started construction. After
construction is completed, you may contact the Environmental Health Division for
a pre-operation inspection. The pre-operation inspection allows the food inspectors
to verify that the construction of the establishment is what was approved on the
plan review. This inspection also ensures that all equipment is in place and working
properly, that correct drains are used, etc. However, being "ready" for a pre-operation
inspection does not mean a partially constructed facility.
"Ready" Means:
- All construction must be complete (i.e. floors, wall, ceiling and indirect drains)
- All equipment is installed and functioning (that means refrigerators are at or below 41°F)
- Hot water and cold water are plumbed to every sink and functioning
- Hand-wash sinks are fully stocked with soap and paper towels
- Dishwasher or three compartment sink is stocked with sanitizer
- Food worker cards are up to date and visible or easily accessible
Please utilize the checklists above to assure that all requirements have been met prior to the
pre-operation inspection.
Annual Permits
After the pre-operation inspection, an annual permit must be purchased. Permits are valid from
January 1 thru December 31, however, new permits issued on or after the preceding April 1 will
be 75% of the total annual permit fee, on or after July 1 will be 50%, and on or after October
1 will be 25%. The permit links are provided below.
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Application for Food Service Establishment Permit (1)
The application for Food Service Establishment Permit should be used for food concession stand, bakery, food caterer, grocery, limited grocery, private club, restaurant, retail meat/fish dealer, tavern, and vending machine (with potentially hazardous food.) This application form is also used for change in ownership
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Resources for Plan Reviews
Other Necessary Contacts
- Fire Marshal
- Local City Hall for Business License Requirements
- Local Sewer District
Food Establishment Ownership Change
Food establishment operating permits are issued to the current owner. Permits do not
automatically transfer to the new owner.
Prior opening the business after and ownership change the new owners must submit an
application for change of ownership. Prior to reopening a closed food establishment an
inspection of the establishment is required. This inspection is required prior to
approval to reopen the establishment.
Food Establishment Applications
List of applications related to Food Establishment.
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Application for Food Service Establishment Permit (1)
The application for Food Service Establishment Permit should be used for food concession stand, bakery, food caterer, grocery, limited grocery, private club, restaurant, retail meat/fish dealer, tavern, and vending machine (with potentially hazardous food.) This application form is also used for change in ownership
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Application for Exemption from Permit (1)
To check eligibility for exemption refer to the application below. Be aware, each exempt food or beverage item contains stipulations that must be fully met. After receiving your application, an inspector will review your plan with you. You may be asked to provide additional information. Once the application is approved, NO changes may be made without approval from the Food Program
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Application for Mobile Food Vendors & Food Stand Concessions Operating at Temporary Event (1)
Persons who operate as Mobile Food Vendors or at Food Stand Concessions must submit a separate application from the general temporary food service permit application. Application MUST be received in the Environmental Health Division office seven (7) days before the event to avoid a non-refundable late fee. Postmark is NOT sufficient
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Application for Temporary Food Service Permit (1)
All persons, unless eligible for exemption, must apply for a temporary event permit. The application MUST be received by the Environmental Health Division office seven (7) days before the event to avoid a non refundable late fee. Postmark is NOT sufficient. Please read and utilize the requirements to operate at temporary events checklist below to assure compliance with all Snohomish Health District requirements.
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Temporary Food Service Product Information Form (1)
Once the Environmental Health Division has received a permit application and reviewed it, a product information form may be requested by the department. This occurs if there are possible questions or concerns about the food or beverage being sold. If a product information form is requested the form must be RECEIVED in the Environmental Health Division Office seven (7) days before the first day of the vendor operation
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Temporary Food Establishments
Snohomish Health District inspects over 900 temporary food booths operating at fairs,
festivals and community events each year within Snohomish County.
Temporary food events include (but are not limited to) booths or trailers
at fairs, parks and carnivals; they also include judged cook-off(s), and food demonstrating.
Temporary food events do require a permit; however, certain foods and beverages may be exempt
from the permit as detailed in the "Exemption from Permit Application" below. Permit fees are
dependent upon the type of food or beverage served, whether it is considered low risk or high
risk and the duration of time it will be served. Food vendors at temporary events are routinely
inspected during hours of operation. Each operator is responsible to maintain a clean and safe
establishment to prevent the risk of possible illness.
Requirements to Operate at Temporary Food Events
Applications for Temporary Food Events
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Application for Exemption from Permit (1)
To check eligibility for exemption refer to the application below. Be aware, each exempt food or beverage item contains stipulations that must be fully met. After receiving your application, an inspector will review your plan with you. You may be asked to provide additional information. Once the application is approved, NO changes may be made without approval from the Food Program
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Application for Mobile Food Vendors & Food Stand Concessions Operating at Temporary Event (1)
Persons who operate as Mobile Food Vendors or at Food Stand Concessions must submit a separate application from the general temporary food service permit application. Application MUST be received in the Environmental Health Division office seven (7) days before the event to avoid a non-refundable late fee. Postmark is NOT sufficient
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Application for Temporary Food Service Permit (1)
All persons, unless eligible for exemption, must apply for a temporary event permit. The application MUST be received by the Environmental Health Division office seven (7) days before the event to avoid a non refundable late fee. Postmark is NOT sufficient. Please read and utilize the requirements to operate at temporary events checklist below to assure compliance with all Snohomish Health District requirements.
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Temporary Food Service Product Information Form (1)
Once the Environmental Health Division has received a permit application and reviewed it, a product information form may be requested by the department. This occurs if there are possible questions or concerns about the food or beverage being sold. If a product information form is requested the form must be RECEIVED in the Environmental Health Division Office seven (7) days before the first day of the vendor operation
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Food Establishment Complaints
The Food Program inspects over 3,100 permanent, permitted facilities, and over 200 school kitchens.
The number of inspection each year for an establishment depends on whether its food preparation
process is considered low risk, medium risk or high risk. Once completed inspection reports are
available for public viewing on the Health District website. Although infrequent the Food Program
periodically closes a food establishment for lack of compliance with food safety requirements. A
list of these closures is provided on this website. The Food program also conducts investigations
of unsanitary and unsafe operating conditions at food establishments resulting from public
complaints.
How To Report an Unsanitary or Unsafe Condition at a Food Establishment
The complaint will remain anonymous even if you provide your name. If you would like to contact Snohomish County
Health District, please call 425.339.5250.
Foodborne Illness Investigation
While the Snohomish Health District Food Safety Program works diligently to promote healthy
individuals and communities, illness does occur.
Foodborne illnesses are completely preventable, and sadly quite common. Foodborne illness
symptoms are many and very in number and intensity depending upon the type of bacteria or virus
causing the illness.
To Report Foodborne Illness.
Food Worker Cards and Managers Certification Classes
All food workers must have a valid food worker card. Although the food worker should
have the card prior to starting work it must be obtained within fourteen (14) days of
starting work.
Food worker card classes are available at two locations a number of times a week in
Snohomish County. Evening classes are held twice a month. Classes in Spanish are also
offered twice a month. Off-site food worker card classes are also available by
appointment. The Manager's Certification Course is designed to provide foodservice
managers with in-depth information related to microbiology basics, types of foodborne
illnesses and how to avoid them, how to set up a cleaning program, pest control, safe
food storage and preparation, accident prevention and self-inspections. The Manager's
Certification Course is offered twice a year.
Food Worker Card Classes
Things you need to know when attending the Food Worker Card Classes:
- No admittance after class begins
- There are no breaks during class
- Cost for the card is $10 cash only, nothing larger than a $20 bill please
- No food or drink allowed in the classrooms, except water
- Because infants and small children can be a distraction to the intended training, they are not allowed in the classroom
- If you are renewing your card, please bring the expiring card to the class
- Cell phones and pagers must be turned off during class
Food Worker Card Class Locations:
Address:
Snohomish Health District
3020 Rucker Ave. Auditorium
Everett, WA 98201
[
View Location on Map ]
Please allow plenty of time to find street parking
Off-site Food Worker Card Classes are available by request
For an off-site class, you must have a minimum of 20 people for the class. The class
is scheduled for 2 hours and can be scheduled generally anytime during the day or evening
Monday through Thursday. If you decide to have the class in the evening, it must be
opened to the public, which means that we advertise the class on our phone line. You are
responsible to collect money from people who attend and get their food worker cards out to
them. Generally, the class will not last the full 2 hours, but it must start on time. The
facility must be non-smoking during the class, handicap accessible, and no small children
are allowed in the classroom. Snohomish Health District will not collect any money at the
time of the class, once the tests are turned in at Snohomish Health District we will bill
you ($10.00 per test) and once they receive payment they will send the cards to you for
distribution. We generally schedule classes 1-2 months in advance. Contact our office to
request a class
Manager's Certification Course
The Manager's Certification Course is designed to provide foodservice managers with
in-depth information related to microbiology basics, types of foodborne illnesses and
how to avoid them, how to set up a cleaning program, pest control, safe food storage and
preparation, accident prevention and self-inspections. The Manager's Certification
Course is offered three times a year. Each course is held on four consecutive Wednesdays.
Managers and Assistant Managers are encouraged to attend the food Manager Certification
Course. The cost for the course is $150.00 and includes all course materials including
the textbook.
Manager's Certification Course Location :
Snohomish Health District
3020 Rucker Ave. Auditorium
Everett, WA 98201
[
View Location on Map ]
Please allow plenty of time to find street parking
Food Safety Information and Service Animal Information
The Snohomish Health District Food Safety program provides publications and resource
links for food safety topics.
The food safety topics include bacteria and virus information, food cooking
temperatures, proper hand washing techniques, holiday food safety and food safety
during power outages. Also provided are links regarding what type of animals are
excluded or allowed in a food establishment.
Food Newsletter
List of Food For Thought Newsletters:
Contact Info
Resources
List of Food Safety Resources: